An elderly woman sustained serious burns to her head and hands following a violent gas explosion at her home in Deal, Kent, last night.
Emergency services were called to Archery Square, Walmer near Deal just after 9pm after reports of a gas explosion. Neighbours bravely pulled the woman from the blaze before firefighters arrived on the scene.
Fire crews treated her burns, cooled her down, and administered oxygen therapy. She was then transported to hospital by the South East Coast Ambulance Service for further care.
The explosion originated in the kitchen, causing major damage including smashed rear downstairs windows and a cracked internal wall. Firefighters found that a gas cooker knob had been left turned on.
The victim reported that the explosion occurred as she switched on her electric kettle. A small fire ignited on the kitchen table from scattered burning items.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly extinguished the flames using a hose reel jet, preventing further damage to the property.
Thankfully, the situation was brought under control swiftly. This incident serves as an important reminder about the dangers of gas safety in the home.
Originally published by UKNIP.
