One house has been destroyed while others have suffered significant damage following an explosion in Birmingham, police have said.
A man is in a life-threatening condition after he was rescued from the destroyed house and has been taken to hospital, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.
Four other men have suffered minor injuries and were assessed by medics at the scene on Dulwich Road, Kingstanding, officials said.
All emergency services and utility companies are that the scene of the house explosion, where evacuations are taking place.
A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: “A man was helped from the property by people at the scene but had suffered very serious injuries.
“His condition on arrival at hospital was described as life threatening.”
Dramatic footage has emerged on social media showing the site of the house explosion. One video captures a major fire burning next to a partially collapsed house.
Officers are also urging people in the area to immediately follow the instructions of first responders, while those nearby have been told to avoid the area altoegther.
Rick Payne, a city councillor for the ward, heard a “massive explosion” while watching television shortly after 8.30pm, and walked across to Dulwich Road to see what had happened.
He said: “I recognised that as probably most likely to be a gas explosion.
“The police are just saying that there’s quite a lot of houses damaged as a result - probably up to five or six houses.
“The house itself, where the explosion occurred, has physically been destroyed. Houses either side have, partially. Then the houses further along the street have been damaged collaterally from the blast.”
A man “put his own life at risk” by running into a burning house to save someone inside after the explosion, according to his cousin.
Callum Attwood’s cousin Reece wrote on Twitter: “What happened in Kingstanding tonight is devastating... my cousin saved a life! He’s a hero. I’m so proud of him.
“Get this spread round Twitter!! His actions, Braveness and courage to do what someone else wouldn’t do and put his own life at risk to save a life! Hero Callum Attwood.”
Dulwich Road and surrounding roads are closed and will remain shut for a very long time, police said.
“Please think of those involved and their loved ones and do not post images online,” a statement issued by the force reads.
“We will keep you updated regularly as soon as we have hard facts.”
Officers were called to the street just after 8.30pm.
Posting on Twitter, the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We are currently dealing with a significant incident in Dulwich Road in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham.
“A large number of ambulances resources are at the scene along with @WestMidsFire and @WMPolice The public are asked to keep away from the area to allow us to work.”
In a second tweet, the emergency service added: “We have sent three ambulances, five paramedic officers, the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic, @wmcareteam@WMASHART and a NILO to the scene.”
