Aerial images taken of the remnants of a home after a suspected gas explosion that left several people with injuries show the massive devastation caused.
Several people were injured - with a 31-year-old man still in hospital with critical injuries - following the blast at a home in Evesham, Worcestershire, at around 5pm on Tuesday.
A further two people, a man and a woman, were also injured at the address and a man from a neighbouring property was taken to hospital.
The injuries of these three individuals are not believed to be life threatening and they have since been released from hospital, West Mercia police said on Wednesday.
The home was evacuated following the incident, as were five other homes nearby in the wake of the incident.
Images taken from above the scene of the explosion on Wednesday showed the entirety of the terraced house had been blown out, with the devastation extending to the houses on each side of it.
While tiles could be seen scattered about the property, nothing was left of the roof.
The beams and insulation foam could be seen in bits and shredded to pieces underneath.
Bricks and tiles along with pieces of wood and household items blasted out of the house in the explosion were mounded in huge heaps over where the house once sat and over the back yard.
Pieces of rubble could also be seen scattered over the yards and roofs of the houses on either side.
Emergency workers wearing fluorescent jackets and hard hats could be seen on what was left of the pavement in front of the three properties, which were cordoned off with police tape.
West Mercia Police said on Wednesday that the building suffered "extensive" damage.
"To ensure the safety of the public, 10 neighbouring homes were evacuated, and the gas supply had to be temporarily cut off from 35 homes.
Superintendent Nigel Webster, who led the police response on Tuesday, said; “This was, of course, a devastating incident and our thoughts are with those injured, their families and the local residents.
“The community pulled together last night to support each other and we’d particularly like to thank the local public house, which kindly gave shelter to those that had been displaced from their homes last night.
“At the moment we remain at the property with a scene guard in place and to begin an initial investigation with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Adrian Elliott said: “This was a significant incident to which we immediately deployed six crews, and we’re grateful for the support we have received from the local community and our emergency service colleagues.
“Our thoughts are with the people injured and their families, and with all those local residents who have been affected.
“Fire investigation officers remain on site to assist with the incident and to support the police and other emergency services in investigating the cause of the explosion.”
Hemmingway, a cul-de-sac, remains closed for the time being and is likely to remain so until tomorrow.
People have been asked to stay away from the area and a road closure is in effect at the scene.
John-Paul Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I have been updated in relation to this incident by the Chief Constable tonight.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those affected.”
