Gas Explosion Destroys East London House, Injures Three

A powerful blast on Ley Street in Ilford caused significant damage to a terraced house, displacing residents and prompting a major emergency response.

The explosion occurred at a mid-terraced house converted into flats on Ley Street, Ilford, around 4:10 PM on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Two people were rescued from a first-floor window by firefighters and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; a third person was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.
Approximately 60 firefighters and eight fire engines worked to control the blaze, which destroyed the building's roof, first floor, and loft conversion.
The blast caused debris to scatter across the street, damaging two neighboring properties and narrowly missing a passing London bus.
The London Fire Brigade and police are investigating the cause of the explosion, and Ley Street remains closed to traffic as crews continue their work at the site.