A 63-year-old man died in the fire, which was caused by an apparent gas explosion at a home in Haxby, North Yorkshire.
Three ambulances are on the scene, as well as a hazardous area response team, after emergency services were called at 7.30am.
The area has been cordoned off, and neighbouring houses evacuated. Windows in other properties nearby were blown out, and debris has been scattered across roads and gardens.
‘The house has been completely flattened. It sounded as if a bus or something had crashed into a house, or like an aeroplane crash,’ he said.
‘All the properties adjacent to the one that’s blown up have got damaged windows and garages.’
‘Formal identification is yet to take place’, he added. ‘It will be some time before we can retrieve the body as the scene is still in a state of disarray. We need to be sure everyone is safe before doing that.’
NorthYorkshirePolice ✔ @NYorksPolice
Emergency services are currently at the scene of an explosion at a property in Spingwood #Haxby extensive damage & area cordoned off.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman told Metro.co.uk: ‘Officers are on the scene of a major incident in Haxby, and we are working alongside our fire services colleagues.
‘We don’t believe there is a risk to the wider public, but they should expect some disruption this morning.’
A relief centre has been set up in nearby Haxby Memorial Hall for anyone affected.
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