Man killed after explosion causes house to collapse

Updated
Andover explosion
Andover explosion

A man has died after a house collapsed following an explosion in the early hours.

The incident happened on King Arthurs Way in Andover, Hampshire, at around 2.30am on Thursday.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said search and rescue teams are continuing to search the scene.

Andover explosion
Andover explosion

A number of neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution.

A joint investigation by the fire service and Hampshire Constabulary is under way.

One resident, Liam Johnson, 33, said: "I live about quarter of a mile away and there was this terrific explosion.

"It was like a bomb going off and me and my wife and two kids all woke up - we were terrified.

"A few minutes later you could hear sirens and see blue lights flashing as police and fire engines raced past."

Andover explosion
Andover explosion

Terry Plank, 80, said: "All I can say is at about 2am this morning there was a blast and the whole building shook violently.

"The next thing I knew my daughter phoned me to see if I was alright."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I was having a cigarette after a night shift and the blast was so strong my window was vibrating.

"The blast was wild... it's unbelievable."

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