An investigation into the cause of a huge gas blast in Sunderland is under way as Gentoo reveal they have evacuated 10 people from their homes.
Emergency services were called to the explosion on Whickham Street in Sunderland just before 4pm on Tuesday and two men have been taken to hospital.
Northumbria Police has today confirmed that one man’s condition has since deteriorated and he is currently in a critical but stable condition.
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Housing association Gentoo has said that around 10 people have been evacuated from the eight flats on the street and provided with temporary accommodation while a structural engineer assesses the extent of the damage.
Nigel Wilson, chief executive of Gentoo Group, said he hopes that those affected by the blast will be able to return to their homes soon to collect their belongings once the area is safe.
He confirmed that two residents were taken to a nearby hotel on Tuesday night and others went to stay with family members.
"Colleagues were on site almost immediately with the emergency services supporting the residents impacted and working to provide them with some alternative housing," the Gentoo boss said.
"We were on-site working with the emergency services until very late last night, helping them carry out checks they need to.
"We are back on site today with the Health and Safety Executive and the gas people, who are obviously carrying out their investigation.
"We also have a structural engineer due out today, who will look at the safety of the building and what can be done in terms of securing it and, hopefully, in due course giving access back to residents so they can collect the things they need to.
"In the meantime, housing colleagues are continuing to work with the residents to get them all the support they need."
Gentoo confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive is leading an ongoing investigation into the cause of the blast and said that they will "cooperate fully" with all of the services involved.
"Everything will be done following the guidance of the structural engineers and the fire and rescue service to ensure everybody's safety," Mr Wilson continued.
"[The area] has been fenced off last night and we will continue to secure the site.
"We had security on site last night and they will be back again to make sure nobody puts themselves in harm's way or interferes with the building."
It comes as the region is battered by gale-force winds during Storm Dudley, with the worst of the weather expected later today.
"Clearly, the storm coming in over the next few days is a worry," Mr Wilson said.
"You can see the scale of the damage to the property and surrounding areas.
"We will continue to secure that and give people guidance to keep away."
Gentoo said their thoughts are with the two men in hospital and their loved ones following the blast.
