Haxby: 63-year-old man confirmed dead after suspected gas explosion destroys house

At least one person has confirmed to have died following a suspected gas explosion at a house in North Yorkshire. Police said a 63-year-old man was found dead following the blast at the house in the Springwood area of Haxby, York.

Emergency services remain at the scene, with more than 30 firefighters deployed to extinguish the blaze and several small fires. Police said the immediate family of the deceased has been informed. Two further people were checked at the scene, but did not require hospital treatment.

The windows and garages of the neighbouring houses were also damaged. Local residents described the explosion as sounding like a "bus or something had crashed into a house, or like an aeroplane crash".

One woman, who did not want to be named, said she felt the extent of the blast from a street away. She told the Northern Echo: "There was a tremendous bang this morning. It shook the bed and the whole house."

Gas supplies have been isolated and emergency services are working with Northern Gas Networks to investigate the possible cause of the incident. The electricity board have switched power off within a 200m radius of the scene of the incident.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "A 63-year-old man has died following an explosion at a house in Haxby, York, police can confirm. It is believed that there was one person in the property at the time of the explosion, which was reported around 7.30am today. The immediate family of the deceased has been informed.

"Some neighbouring properties have also been damaged. However, gas supplied have been isolated and emergency services are working with Northern Gas Networks to investigate the possible cause of the incident. Local people may experience short-term interruptions to power while this work is carried out. A relief centre has been set up at the nearby Memorial Hall for people affected by the explosion."