A woman was flown to hospital with serious injuries after a bungalow exploded in Charing yesterday, destroying the property.
Following the dramatic series of events, here is everything we know so far…
What happened?
Emergency crews were called to a property in Canterbury Road, Charing at about 11.30am yesterday following reports of a fire.
It transpired a bungalow had exploded, prompting a heavy response from police, firefighters and ambulance crews.
The blast sparked the closure of the A252 for several hours, while a woman was airlifted to hospital.
Some nearby residents and shopkeepers were evacuated from the area while officers said there was still a “threat to life”, though this is no longer the case.
At its height, five fire engines, a bulk water carrier and fire investigation team were at the scene.
By 7pm, this had been reduced to two engines as crews continued to dampen down remaining hotspots.
Pictures show extensive damage to the bungalow.
Who was inside the bungalow?
A woman and a dog were in the vicinity.
The woman suffered serious injuries and was flown to a London hospital.
A dog walked out of the rubble in the aftermath.
How is the victim today?
Police say there is no update on her condition today.
The dog is receiving treatment from a nearby vet.
What caused the explosion?
Firefighters are not yet able to determine or share what the cause of the explosion was but both Kent Fire and Rescue Service and neighbours say the property had totally collapsed.
A KFRS spokesperson said: “An investigation into the cause will begin when it is safe to do so.”
Was a glider involved?
No. Although the South East Coast Ambulance Service initially told KentOnline crews were called at 11.50am to reports a glider aircraft had hit the bungalow, it was then later clarified no plane was involved in the incident.
How has the community reacted?
Understandably, the news has shocked many. Residents are beginning to rally round and donate items to gift to those affected by the incident via social media.
Neighbours revealed how “everything shook” following the explosion, which saw debris rain down on their homes and black smoke billow into the sky.
One said: “It was an unimaginable bang – everything shook and you can see where the bungalow was.
“You wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
Are fire crews still at the scene?
No. After a gruelling nine-and-a-half hour battle to dampen down the site, teams were able to cease operations at about 9pm yesterday and hand the scene back over to police.
Is the road still closed?
No. Police officers opened the road in the early hours of the morning, although a cordon remains in place around the property.
What are emergency services saying?
A SECAmb spokesperson said: “Crews assessed and treated one female at the scene, before being joined by the Air Ambulance Charity, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, who airlifted the patient to King’s College Hospital in London for further medical treatment.”
A KFRS spokesperson said at 9.30pm: “All hotspots have been extinguished and firefighting operations are now complete at the scene of the bungalow fire in Canterbury Road in Charing.
“Kent Police are now managing the scene.
“An investigation into the cause will begin when it is safe to do so.”
More as we get it
