Flat Explosion: Immersion Heater Blast Traps Couple in London
Blast Rips Through Second-Floor Flat
A second-floor flat in a three-storey building partially collapsed after an explosion thought to be caused by an immersion heater. The blast smashed windows, blew out a wall, and left a couple trapped under debris.
Firefighters Rescue Trapped Couple
Fire crews arrived quickly and used specialist gear to break into the flat. They led the man and woman out to safety. Both were slumbering when the explosion hit but escaped without injuries.
Precautionary Evacuations and Investigation Underway
- Four other residents were evacuated from neighbouring flats as a safety precaution.
- London Ambulance Service assessed the rescued couple on scene.
- The fire brigade was called at 3:56am and left by 6:03am after sending three fire engines from Twickenham and Feltham stations.
Firefighter Warns: ‘They Had a Lucky Escape’
Leading Firefighter Tim Lucas said: “It appears the immersion heater exploded with quite some force, destroying the cupboard it was in.
“The blast blew out all the windows and part of a wall, trapping the couple in debris.
“Luckily they were asleep in the bedroom furthest from the cupboard and the patio doors there were the only glass that didn’t shatter.
“It could’ve been a very different outcome if they’d been closer or up at the time.”
