Newcastle house explosion major update as police announce second person has died

A second body has been found after an explosion at a house in Newcastle that killed a seven-year-old boy. The blast and ensuing fire destroyed two terraced homes in the Benwell and Elswick area in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 12.

45am after reports of an explosion , with six people taken to hospital and a young boy - named locally as Archie York - tragically dying at the scene. Today police have confirmed a second person was found dead following the blast, believed to be a man in his 30s. Formal identification for both victims is yet to take place.



Superintendent Darren Adams from Northumbria Police said in an update: "Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives." Police also confirmed that a man in his 30s remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition following the explosion, reports Chronicle Live . The other five people, four adults and a child, who were taken to hospital have now been discharged.

The "large scale incident" happened at around 12.45am with engineers from Northern Gas Networks joining police and ambulance crews all rushing to the scene of the devastation. Police have now confirmed there are no reports of missing people related to the incident.

While formal identification of the second victim has yet to take place, tributes have been paid to little Archie. Posting on Facebook his aunt, Abbie York, said: "Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, & caring little boy and his name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little man, you didn't deserve this." Meanwhile a neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Everybody knew him.

He was a lovely lad. The family are in bits. Archie was always with his dad and he was playing outside a lot.

You would see him with his two dogs . He went to a school just up the road from here. My kids are having nightmares about what happened.

" Nearby residents were also evacuated, with people warned to close their doors and windows and motorists asked to avoid the area. One woman who lives close by recalled: "Me and my husband woke up to a big bang. It was really loud.

My husband is a heavy sleeper, and he woke up straight away. "We saw people outside. It was about 12.

45am. I have heard two properties have been affected. I heard from a police officer they still don't know what caused it.

There were about ten fire engines one after another. It's a shocking thing to have happened." Police have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing, warning that cordons are expected to be in place for some time.

Superintendent Adams said: "We are working with our partners as our investigation continues. For a number of reasons this is complex and time consuming, not least due to the level of damage which has been caused. "As always, we would ask people not to speculate about what has happened both online and within the community.

As we have previously made clear and I would reiterate now, we are committed to providing answers to what has happened. I would like to thank the community for their continued support and cooperation at this incredibly tragic time." The community has been left "devastated" following the blast, with many in "shock".

However, locals have rallied together, gathering donations and opening up spaces for those who were forced to evacuate to shelter. In response, the community rallied to collect items needed by these families, and The West End Women and Girls Centre also opened, offering food and a "warm welcome". An evacuation centre was set up for those forced to leave their homes with the Red Cross on the scene giving out mobile phone chargers and food.

Police also confirmed that a dedicated page had been set up for anyone with any information which they believe could help the investigation, which is available here. Those unable to get in touch via the page should call 101 quoting log number NP-20241016-0028. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

This is a breaking news story. Follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , Twitter , Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage..