A house on Ladram Road near Otterton, Devon, was completely destroyed by a suspected gas explosion on Monday, August 11. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene at approximately 11:30 a.m., where they found the property engulfed in flames and reduced to rubble.
Several fire engines were deployed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas. The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that five appliances attended the incident, which was divided into two sectors to effectively control the fire. Thankfully, all residents have been accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.
Devon and Cornwall Police worked alongside firefighters, closing the road from Otterton Village to Ladram Bay to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations. The closure is expected to last several hours as the response continues.
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Local residents, farmers, and staff at Ladram Bay Holiday Park acted promptly to assist in the early moments of the incident. The Holiday Park has expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused by the road closure and has pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of gas leaks and the vital importance of safety precautions in homes.