An explosion at a house in Bedford this morning has tragically claimed the life of one person and left another with serious injuries. The incident occurred at around 7:30 am in Cleat Hill, sending shock waves throughout the neighbourhood.
Residents reported hearing a loud bang and feeling the ground shake as a fireball erupted from the property. Emergency services quickly responded, and homes surrounding the site were evacuated as a precaution.
Bedfordshire Police confirmed that one person died in the explosion, while another individual was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as investigations and emergency operations continue.
A police spokesperson said: “One person is confirmed to have died in an explosion and subsequent fire that occurred in Cleat Hill, Bedford this morning. A second person was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.”
The area remains cordoned off, with road closures affecting key junctions, including the Kimbolton Road/Wentworth Drive junction with Cleat Hill and the Bedford Road and Graze Hill junction.
Firefighters were seen battling the blaze as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Locals stood nearby, watching as emergency crews worked to control the flames and assess the situation. A video shared online captures the extent of the destruction, showing the house engulfed in flames and surrounded by emergency vehicles.
Authorities are urging motorists to find alternative routes and are asking residents to avoid the area while the investigation into the cause of the explosion continues.