Two Confirmed Dead in Southall Explosion
Fire Brigade stabilising the building and will resume search later
Picture: London Fire Brigade
Two people have been found dead in Southall after an explosion on King Street this Wednesday morning (21 October) at around 6.38am.
The bodies were found after London Fire Brigade brought in specially trained dogs to search the wrecked building.
The cause of the blast is not yet know but early reports suggested it may have been caused by a gas leak.
Firefighters earlier rescued four adults and a child using a ladder at the rear of the building.
Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) crews undertook a complex operation and using specialist equipment to search the properties including the use of a USAR dog.
There has been a structural collapse of the building which involved a shop with flats above.
Station Commander Alan Brand, who was at the scene said, “Four adults and one child were rescued at the rear of the property by firefighters using a ladder. A further fourteen adults and two children self-evacuated from surrounding properties. Specialist crews are searching the building for anyone else that may be involved.
“This is an on-going operation and I would ask that people avoid the area if possible.”
Station Commander Paul Morgan said. “Our crews have search the property using specialist equipment including the use of a USAR dogs. We can confirm that sadly two people have died at the scene.
“It has been a painstaking and protracted incident with firefighters working systematically to stabilise the building and search for people involved. Operations have been concluded for the evening and will restart in the morning.
“The explosion caused substantial damage to the shop and structural damage throughout.”
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters Southall, Hayes, Heston, Ealing and Feltham fire stations attended.
Picture: London Fire Brigade
There are currently road closures at:
- Havelock Road between King Street & the Gurdwara
- King Street between Norwood Rd & the roundabout at Featherstone
- Western Road between Norwood Rd & King Street
Bus routes 105, 120, 195, 482, H32 and E5 are on diversion.
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October 21, 2020