A devastating gas explosion tore through a block of flats on Redwood Grove, Bedford, triggering a massive fire that forced dozens of residents to flee the scene. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service declared the event a “major incident” after the blaze engulfed the entire building and caused a large section of the roof to collapse.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing one terrified resident leap from a second-floor window to escape the inferno. Emergency services responded quickly to the incident, where 20 flats were affected. Two people were rushed to hospital, one with serious injuries.
The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that three people were hospitalised. One victim was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with leg injuries, while two others, including a firefighter, were treated for smoke inhalation at Bedford South Wing Hospital.
Bedfordshire Police, firefighters, and ambulance crews remained at the scene shortly after midday on Monday. Adjacent flats were evacuated as a precaution. Bedford Borough Council established an emergency centre at the John Bunyan Centre to support displaced residents.
Nearby Shackleton Primary School, located close to the blaze, sent pupils home as a safety measure. Headteacher Andy George stated: “Following the fire in the Redwood Grove area of Bedford earlier today, pupils at Shackleton Primary have been sent home due to the school’s proximity to the incident. All children are safe.” The school plans to reopen tomorrow.
Originally published by UKNIP.
