Man Left with Serious Burn following Explosion in Chppenham
A man has suffered serious burns in an explosion at a flat in Wiltshire. The blast happened in a third floor property in Chippenham’s Market Place just after 18:00 BST. A cordon is in place and nearby buildings have been evacuated, Wiltshire Police said. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the property had suffered “significant structural damage. The cause of the explosion is not yet known and an investigation is under way. The man has taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol but later transferred to a specialist burns hospital in Swansea. Volunteers from the British Red Cross are supporting those affected and temporary overnight accommodation is being arranged for some residents. The investigation is in the early stages, police said Supt Phil Staynings said the investigation was in the “very early stages”. We are working with the fire and rescue service and Wiltshire Council to secure the property, which has sustained significant structural damage,” he said. “At this stage, we are unable to determine the cause of the explosion but our investigation will continue throughout the night. “We would like to thank local businesses who have provided refreshments, shelter and accommodation during the evening as well as volunteers from the British Red Cross who are supporting anyone affected.” The cordon runs between St Mary Street, Market Place and Timber Street.
