A man has been airlifted to hospital after suspected gas explosion ripped through a bungalow this morning (Tues).
Fire crews attended Ollersett Avenue, in New Mills, Derbs., following reports of a blast at 8.07am.
Photos taken at the scene show a ground-floor terraced home, valued at roughly £250,000, with flames shooting up from its heavily damaged roof.
A spokesperson from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service said currently just the one injury had been reported.
But residents from 12 other homes had been evacuated to a leisure centre as a precaution and others had been told to keep their doors and windows shut.
The spokesperson said: “A man has been taken to hospital by air ambulance following an explosion on Ollersett Avenue, New Mills.
“The exact cause of the explosion continues to be investigated.
“Fire crews from New Mills, Glossop, Whaley Bridge and Buxton with the command support unit were called to the incident at 8.07 hours this morning.
“Twelve properties in the surrounding area have been evacuated.
“Those who have been evacuated from their properties are asked to attend New Mills Leisure Centre to register that they have been evacuated.
“Other local residents are asked to keep their windows and doors closed while emergency services deal with the incident."
Local MP Robert Largan said he was “concerned” by the situation and said reports suggested it had been caused by a gas explosion.
He said: “I’m really concerned about reports from New Mills where number of homes have been evacuated following an explosion on Ollersett Avenue.
“My office are in contact with both Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire Police.
“The exact cause of the explosion was still being investigated but it has been reported to be a gas explosion.”
A spokesperson from New Mills Town Council said: "As many are already aware there has sadly been a gas explosion on Ollsersett Avenue.
"The emergency services are tending to the situation and it is advisable for people to stay away from the area if possible."
