Fatal explosion in Nottinghamshire leaves one dead, 35 properties evacuated

A man has died in an explosion that destroyed a house and led to evacuations.

Multiple homes in John Street, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, were evacuated and emergency services were called to the scene just before 20:00 BST on Saturday.

On Sunday, police confirmed the body of a man, in his 50s, had been found in the wreckage of the house.

Nottinghamshire Police said emergency services treated the man but were unable to save him and he died at the scene.

The explosion was declared a major incident by emergency services on Saturday evening.

Everyone else who may have been in the area at the time has been accounted for, police added.

An investigation is under way to establish the cause of the explosion.

A total of 35 properties in the area have been evacuated, with 48 residents needing alternative accommodation, said Julie Leigh, leader of Bassetlaw District Council.

She said the council had provided alternative council at the nearby Crown Place Community Centre, while others have been staying with family and friends.

Chf Insp Clive Collings said: "This is an extremely serious incident that has led to a man’s untimely death.

"The man’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

"I have no doubt that this incident will have come as a shock to the community in Worksop.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) said specialist urban search and rescue teams were called in to search the area after the blast.

Residents said the emergency services were quickly on the scene

Demolition workers later - including a cherry picker vehicle - attended the scene after midday on Sunday.

Residents, who live near John Street, described "chaos" in the wake of the explosion.

They said they had heard a loud crashing sound which immediately prompted a large number of people to rush out into the street.

One resident told the BBC there was thick black smoke in the street as some people ran towards the wrecked house to try to help.

Purvi Srikenthan, who runs the Today’s Local shop on nearby Sandy Lane, said she had been helping provide free food to families who were staying at the community centre.

The 43-year-old said: "We are here to help local people because we are part of the community.

"There’s a lot of families and children affected so we thought we might be able to help them and provide food.

"I only just heard the news that a man has died which is really sad. I feel so sorry for that family and all of the people who are affected."

Purvi Srikenthan donated snacks and other items to affected people