TOTAL WIPEOUT: Blast destroys terrace house

One man who was in the terrace property in Tinsley at the time of the blast was taken to hospital with facial burns and cuts, though his injuries are not thought to be serious.

The explosion, thought to have been caused by gas, rocked Dundas Road at around 9.10am yesterday.

A police spokesman said last night that enquiries were underway.

Four fire engines, as well as police and ambulance crews, attended the scene yesterday morning.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters spent the morning working with other agencies to make the scene safe enough to enable a thorough search of the rubble to begin.

“Urban search and rescue teams are now in attendance, plus two search dogs from neighbouring fire services.”

A cordon remained in place yesterday while investigations were carried out.

A woman and two children from a neighbouring house were also taken to hospital with suspected smoke inhalation.

Sara Knox, 35, who lives on Dundas Road, was woken by the blast.

She said: “There was a woman screaming uncontrollably outside and I asked if there was anybody else in the house, and I was told there was.

“With my gut instinct, I ran into the house and went upstairs to find two young girls looking so scared. I made sure they came outside and were safe.”

Residents were taken to nearby Hinde House School as the cause of the explosion was investigated.

Ali Khan, 30, who lives opposite the destroyed house, said: “My windows were shaking, it was like an earthquake had hit. The house had been ripped to shreds.”