An explosion which blew the walls off a block of flats wasn't caused by gas issues.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, the North West Ambulance Service, and Lancashire Police rushed to Tanfields in Skelmersdale at around 6pm on Tuesday, May 18, following an explosion at a property. Once at the scene emergency services found a block of flats completely blown apart.
The explosion, the cause of which is yet to be confirmed, caused major damage to two flats and resulted in three people being taken to the hospital with minor injuries. A further two people received precautionary checks from paramedics at the scene.
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Pictures sent to the ECHO show the back of the flats, and you can see a fridge freezer hanging from the wreckage along with a two seater couch. A total of 15 people were evacuated after the explosion and placed in hotels by Lancashire Council.
Gas company, Cadent, has issued an update following an investigation of the gas pipes in the area on Wednesday, May 18.
Jenny Moten, North West Network Director at Cadent, said: "As the gas emergency service, we have supported the emergency response to what happened last night (17 May) in Skelmersdale. Following our own thorough investigation, we can confirm that the gas mains and service pipes in the area are sound and did not contribute to or cause the incident.
"We remain on site to assist other agencies as they continue their investigations. In any case, if you ever smell gas, inside the home or outside, call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999 immediately, day or night. Calls are recorded and may be monitored."
A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service provided an update to the incident on Wednesday afternoon. They said: "All residents who were displaced were provided with alternative accommodation and a handover has been completed with Lancashire Constabulary, who have now taken over this incident. Urban Search and Rescue will soon begin assisting with the removal of debris."
During the initial response to the incident, a spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Four fire engines from Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and Bamber Bridge have been called to an explosion in a property on Tanfields, Skelmersdale. Firefighters are working with Lancashire Police and North West Ambulance Service to make the scene safe and treat those people who have been affected by the explosion."
They later added: "Crews will remain on scene overnight. Firefighters evacuated approx 15 people in surrounding properties for safety precautions."
