All News...'House explosion was like an earthquake' - pictures and video
One man was airlifted to hospital suffering from burns after a massive explosion devastated a house.
Local residents described the explosion as being "like an earthquake".
Emergency services were called to the scene at Recreation Way, Kemsley, near Sittingbourne just before 12.35pm Tuesday.
The victim suffered severe burns to his arms and head.
A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service said he was taken to Broomfield Hospital in Essex - but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
• Watch the video - taken by Alan McGuinness and edited by Patrick Gearey on Tuesday - at the top right of this page.
Initial reports suggested there could be people trapped in the two-storey, semi-detached property.
Speaking from the scene, KM Group reporter Nicola Forman said: "Witnesses say the explosion was huge - like an earthquake. The house has been completely destroyed. It's a miracle the man got out alive."
Around 35 firefighters and six fire engines went to the scene as well as police, the air ambulance and land ambulances. Nearby properties in Recreation Way and Coleman Drive were evacuated.
A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Nobody has been trapped in the building but one man has been injured."
Caroline Davies, of nearby Ridham Avenue, said: "The explosion was huge – it shook our whole house streets away. Lots of people came out to see what had happened."
She said the garage and the room above at the side of the house were completely destroyed - with just the window of the top room visible.
The roof was on fire and there was a lot of smoke, she added.
Jason 7.33pm Tuesday 28 April 2009
Sittingbourne
Just heard about this story, we only moved out of the house next door 2 years ago, not sure if alan still lives at 46 if he does hope he is ok. Feels weird seeing this!
Laura 8.51pm Tuesday 28 April 2009
Recreation Way
i wasn't at home when this happened, but when i was walking back home it was awful, the smell hit me hard as i walked around the corner from coleman drive. its so awful!However, the weird thing is, two years ago my parents put an offer in on that house, and it didn't get accepted. we then moved 4 doors down... but i wish the man all the best. The atmosphere down the road is so solomn.. there was still 8 fire engines, and 7 police cars when i got home at 4:15,things started clearning up about 7.
Matt Knell 10.45am Wednesday 29 April 2009
Sittingbourne
Why is there no mention of the dog?!
Joe 12.51am Wednesday 29 April 2009
Sittingbourne
I lived here and moved out two years ago. I did't live in the house that exploded, in the one in the semi next door (No.44) which is half gone! This is very strange to hear about!
Laura. 10.01pm Wednesday 29 April 2009
Recreation Way.
just a quick update, theres two more fire engines down here now, the house has started to smoke again, and burning... you can hear the crackling of it, and today when i was walking home, they had started cleaning up the rubble. But now the fire engines are taking it in turns to put the fire out, and collect water.
Michele 6.46pm Thursday 30 April 2009
Sittingbourne
I am friends with the home owners. This is so upsetting and they have nothing left. The poor dog didn't even make it out.
Report published 1.19pm Tuesday 28 April 2009
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Joe 4.00pm Tuesday 28 April 2009
Sittingbourne
I was walking up near Ridham Avenue at the time and felt the ground shake. The house is gutted and I just hope the guy who is injured will be okay. You see this kind of thing on TV all the time and never think it will happen to you. The road was still closed at 2PM