Some reports suggest that two people may be missing following this morning’s explosion at a property on Launcelot Close.
Police have confirmed that a man’s body has been found at the property, which collapsed following the explosion.
In a joint statement, Hampshire Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: “The body of a man has been found after an explosion in Andover at about 2.30am this morning
27 December 2018, 16:40 Please note, out of respect we have redacted some content.
Our reporter Lauren Banville (photos below) is at Launcelot Close and says that residents are watching the Police and Fire Service investigation in horror, as it is obvious that the force of the explosion blew windows into the next street, damaging property and vehicles.
It is understood that the BBC have been asked to refrain from reporting from the scene, as it is upsetting residents.
Andy Phillips who lives nearby explained to Sky News that the explosion was like “a huge clap of thunder that shook and rattled ours and many other houses” with the resulting debris covering about a 25m radius.
He also said the property affected was a shared house for people “getting back on their feet after hard times“. Our reporter is enquiring with Dene Court if there was anyone who did not ‘check in’ last night.
The Aster Group housing association said, “We’re working closely with the emergency services as they carry out their investigations.
“Our senior team is attending the incident and our neighbourhood teams on the ground are already onsite offering help and support to the residents involved.”
Gas distribution firm SGN said engineers were working with emergency services earlier in the morning.
Spokesman Dan Brown said, “We understand an occupant in the property at the time of the explosion has died and our thoughts are with them and their family.
“While it is too early to speculate as to what has happened, we’re working closely with the emergency services to help identify the cause. In conjunction with the authorities, we’re currently working to isolate gas supplies to property numbers one and two for safety.”
The Daily Star reported this morning that three people may be missing.
