Gas Explosion Destroys Home in Yate, Three Hospitalized

Three people have been taken to hospital following a suspected gas explosion that has destroyed a house.

Emergency services rushed to Lancaster Road at 6:53 AM BST following reports of a massive blaze that engulfed the property and spread to nearby homes. Over 40 residents were evacuated, and a safety cordon remains in place.

What Happened?
The explosion reduced the house to rubble and triggered a fire that damaged neighboring properties. Eyewitness Charlie Daines described hearing “an almighty explosion” and seeing the house “shoot up into the air” before crumbling. “The noise, the fire—everything was gone in seconds,” she said.

Injuries and Rescue Efforts
Two of the hospitalized individuals are believed to live in the destroyed home. Their injuries are not life-threatening, police confirmed. A fourth person suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Neighbor Rich Cainey, who has lived on Lancaster Road for 35 years, said the blast “threw [him] out of bed.” He rushed outside to find the house engulfed in flames and heard screams. His father, a retired police officer, helped evacuate residents while walking their dogs. “Everyone just focused on getting people to safety,” Cainey added.

Emergency Response
Avon Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze and established a cordon. A refuge center was set up at the nearby Farmhouse Pub for displaced residents. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while investigations continue.

Cause Under Investigation
While the explosion is suspected to involve a gas leak, officials have not confirmed the exact cause. Fire crews and police are assessing the damage and working with utility companies to secure the area.

Community Reaction
Residents described scenes of chaos, with neighbors rushing to help. “No one cared about anything except saving lives,” said Cainey. The incident has left the tight-knit community shaken but grateful for the swift emergency response.