Gas Blast Horror in Portsmouth: Elderly Mum and Son Seriously Burned
A suspected gas explosion rocked a Portsmouth home in Nelson Avenue on October 22, leaving a man and his elderly mother seriously injured. Both were rushed to Southampton General Hospital after the blast struck shortly after 1.40pm.
Neighbours Describe Terrifying Scene
About 20 firefighters from across the region scrambled to the scene following reports of the explosion. One local recalled a deafening bang, shattering glass, and thick smoke billowing from the front of the house.
“We heard screaming—an elderly woman in the street had her hair burnt down to the scalp,” the witness said. “A man came out next, also badly burned on the head with singed hair.”
Smoke Blankets City, Chaos on London Road
Dark smoke streamed east across Portsmouth, cutting visibility on London Road and drifting for miles. Motorists struggled as the haze hung thick over the city.
Emergency Services Mobilise Fast
The South Central Ambulance Service deployed their Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), alongside ambulance crews and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Together with police, firefighters, power companies, and local authorities, they worked rapidly to secure the area and treat victims on site.
The Air Ambulance landed at Mountbatten Leisure Centre to deliver life-saving treatment before transferring the injured to hospital by land ambulance.
SGN gas company confirmed their engineers arrived at 2pm to assist emergency services and make the scene safe, stressing their role as the gas emergency experts.
Firefighters continue damping down the wreckage while a full fire investigation is underway.
