Skip to content

Man seriously hurt and dog killed in house explosion

BBC An aerial shot of the property which was destroyed by the explosion in Coronation Terrace, WillingtonBBC
Police confirmed a German Shepherd died in the explosion

A man has been seriously hurt and a dog has been killed in a house explosion.

Emergency services were called to Coronation Terrace in Willington, County Durham, at about 01:30 BST.

Durham Police said a man in his 40s suffered "serious injuries" and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle for treatment.

The force added a young German Shephard "tragically" died.

Watch: Doorbell camera captures Willington house explosion

Nearby residents were told to leave their homes "as a precaution", with the affected property cordoned off.

Police confirmed most residents have been allowed to return to their homes on Monday evening.

People are being advised to avoid the area.

"A cordon remains in place around the scene while police and fire investigators work to establish the cause," a spokesperson said.

The force also appealed for anyone with information to contact police, and asked people not to speculate on the circumstances.

Neandercol Photography Flames, smoke and falling debris from the house during the explosion..Neandercol Photography
The explosion happened during the early hours of Monday

Residents have spoken of their shock at the blast, which destroyed the house.

Next-door neighbour Hannah Wright said she woke up to the sound of "a massive explosion".

"The house was gone," she told the BBC.

"Just horrendous. We had to get the children out... because there was gas leaking."

Hannah Wright (left) and Andrew Green (right) standing next to each other outside their Willington home
Hannah Wright and Andrew Green woke up to the sound of a "massive explosion"
The damaged house, with a fence around it, with its roof destroyed.
The explosion will be investigated "in due course", the fire service said

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said an investigation would take place "in due course".

Group manager Chris Williams said: "Our crews will remain in the area today alongside colleagues from Durham Constabulary, Durham County Council and Northern Gas Networks to assess the site and ensure it is structurally safe."

An aerial shot of the property destroyed by the explosion at Coronation Terrace, Willington
Neighbours said the house was "gone"

Follow BBC Tees on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

Related internet links