‘Complex’ demolition for three Derby houses hit by explosion

Three houses on a street rocked by a suspected gas explosion are set to be demolished over several days.

Emergency services were called to the blast in Eden Street, Alvaston, Derby, at 19:24 BST on Tuesday.

One man was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham in a critical condition while search teams later found a small dog in the house, who was left in the care of a vets.

Demolition work at a property at the centre of the blast and two adjoining properties which suffered structural damage is expected to begin on Thursday, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

The demolition process will support the investigation into the cause of the explosion and due to the complex process is expected to take “several days”.

The fire service said 13 properties and their residents remained impacted by the incident but other Eden Street residents had been allowed to return to their homes.

As well as a number of terraced houses, nearby cars sustained “significant damage” in the explosion.

Derbyshire Police said it would like to hear from witnesses and trace the driver of a black Ford Fiesta which passed by shortly before the explosion.

Eden Street is expected to remain closed “for some time” , the fire service said on Wednesday.

Residents with concerns about their homes should speak to on-site officers, insurance companies or landlords, while Derby City Council is handling any residents needing social care support.

Anyone experiencing issues with their gas supplies in the area is asked to contact Cadent, while any issues with electricity should be raised with on-site officers.

The Health and Safety Executive has also been informed of the incident.