Explosion in Newcastle: second body found after explosion | United Kingdom | News

A second person has died after an explosion in Benwell that destroyed several homes earlier this week, police said.

The body found is believed to be that of a man in his 30s, Northumbria Police said.

The force has provided a major new update on the incident which occurred on Thursday 17 October.

The powerful explosion happened in the early hours of Wednesday, with emergency services being called to Violet Close in Benwell at around 12.45pm.

Eyewitnesses described a “very loud bang” and a “bright flash.” Immediately after the explosion, some residents were asked to leave their homes and go to a rest center run by Red Cross volunteers, who distributed food and cell phone chargers.

Six people were taken to hospital as a result of the incident and a seven-year-old boy died at the scene.

Superintendent Darren Adams, of Northumbria Police, said on October 16 of the child’s death: “This is a truly devastating outcome.

“I have no doubt that the people of Elswick and Benwell and our entire region will join me in offering their condolences to his family and friends.”

Aerial footage of the scene showed several houses destroyed by the explosion, with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue confirming that six flats were “severely affected”.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay said yesterday: “Six flats were seriously affected, two of which took the main brunt of the explosion.

“We continue to search the buildings and our specialist dog unit remains on site.”

Several vehicles were also damaged by the explosion.