Man fighting for his life after gas explosion ripped through his home

These shocking pictures show the aftermath of a suspected gas explosion that left a man fighting for his life in hospital. The front of the detached house in Longridge, Lancs, has been blown apart, with debris and rubble strewn across the garden.

Police said the male occupant at the house was found badly burned when emergency services arrived just after 10.30am on Sunday. He was taken to hospital in a serious condition, while two others were treated for minor injuries, the force said.

Locals told of a “hell of a bang” and neighbouring houses shaking in Wheatley Drive, where the average house price is around £250,000.

Lancashire Police said: “Our officers were called to Wheatley Drive, Longridge, at 10.31am today following reports of a gas explosion.”

“Emergency services have attended and found a man with serious burn injuries. He was already out of the property when our officers arrived. He has been taken to hospital in a critical condition. Two other people have suffered minor injuries.

“One property has suffered significant damage and efforts are ongoing to make it safe. A small number of surrounding properties have been evacuated. A joint investigation will be launched in due course with our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause and circumstances that led the suspected gas explosion.

“We are also working with other partners at the scene, including the local authority, the North West Ambulance Service and Cadent.”