Man in hospital and homes evacuated after suspected gas explosion in Newton Longville
A man has been taken to hospital and properties were evacuated after a suspected gas explosion in Newton Longville on August 9.
The emergency services were called to Cobb Hall Road in the village at around 9.45am, with police, the fire service and an air ambulance all in attendance.
Thames Valley Police said: “Emergency services were called to Cobb Hall Road, Newton Longville, to a report of an explosion, fire and collapse of a property.
“One person sustained injuries, requiring hospital treatment, where they remain.”
The Citizen has been told the victim is being treated at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, and that their dog was taken to the vets for treatment.
Bucks Fire and Rescue reported that four fire engines attended, and that a man was passed into the care of the ambulance service.
Cordons were put in place at the scene and the public were asked to avoid the area.
The Crooked Billet pub in the village opened for residents who were evacuated yesterday (Sunday), while Longville Hall in the village is being used as a base for those unable to return to their homes today (Monday).
The Citizen has been told that the gas board was called to the village around midnight on August 9, after residents reported a smell of gas.
A spokesperson for gas distribution company SGN told us: “Following reports of an explosion in Cobb Hall Road, Newton Longville on Sunday 9 August, our engineers joined the emergency services on site and have been carrying out safety checks in the area.
"We understand that a resident has been taken to hospital to receive treatment and our thoughts are with them.
“The cause of the incident is unknown. We are working with the local authorities to support the investigation.
“Thames Valley Police have put in place an exclusion zone while investigations get underway and neighbouring properties have been evacuated as a safety precaution."
A Newton Longville resident told the Citizen the explosion sounded like “something enormous landing on our roof.”
The Crooked Billet pub praised the spirit of the community following the incident writing on social media: “Massive thanks to everybody who pulled together to try and make a better day of today for those of you affected.
“The magnificent emergency services, our incredibly kind and supportive fellow villagers, our lovely parish councillors, and everyone who offered and gave help and support.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the victims by Newton Longville resident Thomas Humphries.
It has currently raised £445, with the page organiser pledging that 85 per cent of all earnings will be given to homeowners affected, and 15 per cent will be shared between residents that have experienced secondary damage to their property, belongings and themselves either physically or mentally.
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