A fundraising page has been set up to help raise money for the residents affected by a "devastating" gas explosion at a house in Sunderland.
Emergency services were called to Whickham Street in Roker just before 4pm on Tuesday following a "significant" explosion.
Sunderland -based housing association Gentoo confirmed that eight residents were affected by the explosion; two were taken to hospital, two were taken to a nearby hotel and four others stayed with family members.
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And in a bid to help those "left with nothing", Silksworth resident, Dawn Geddes, 37, set up a Go Fund Me page to try and raise as much money as possible.
She said: "I set it up after seeing the devastating effects of the explosion. I saw what happened yesterday and it was absolutely gut-wrenching.
"I know personally what it's like to lose everything. I was in a house fire years ago and the whole house went up, we lost everything.
"So when I looked at the photos yesterday it was just awful and I just knew I needed to help these people.
"I thought those poor people have been left with absolutely nothing. I don't know their financial situation, I don't know them personally, I just knew I wanted to help.
"The whole city has come together. There could be times when something drastic happens and you would like to think people would come to help."
Dawn also said her and her friend Ashley Taylor have furniture and household items in storage containers for those who need them.
She added: "I put a post on social media to say I have got a storage container with a few household items in it that people can have for free.
"I also have a friend called Ashley Taylor who has a storage container with furniture in that people can have free of charge and he'll also deliver it for free too."
Northumbria Police initially said two men were taken to hospital but their lives were not thought to be in danger.
However, officers confirmed on Wednesday morning that one man's condition has "deteriorated" and he is now in a critical but stable condition.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "At 3.45pm yesterday (Tuesday) we received a report of a suspected gas explosion at an address on Whickham Street, Sunderland.
"Two men were taken to hospital. One man’s condition has since deteriorated and he is currently in a critical but stable condition."
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene along with an air ambulance and Sunderland City Council staff who installed a blockade around the affected area.
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) spokesperson said on Tuesday evening: "This has been a significant explosion and there has been substantial damage caused to the property in question.
"Thankfully our crews were quickly on scene alongside our other blue light partners to assist two male casualties from the area and they have since been transferred to hospital.
"We will remain in the area alongside our partners this evening to assess the site and ensure it is structurally safe. Some residents in the immediate vicinity have also been evacuated as a precaution.
"We know this will be concerning for local residents and we would ask that anyone present in the area listens to the advice and instruction of the emergency services."
Gentoo also offered those who have been affected free accommodation.
You can follow our live blog on this ongoing incident here.
If you would like to donate to the fundraising page, you can so do here.
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