**Explosion rocks Halifax neighbourhood as three hospitalised and emergency services respond**
An overnight explosion in a residential area of Halifax has left three people in hospital and caused significant damage to six homes. Emergency services, including fire fighters, paramedics, and police, descended on Spring Hall Lane shortly after midnight to tackle the developing incident.
The incident, which took place just after midnight, was described by witnesses as resulting in ‘large flames’ in the Spring Hall Lane vicinity. Local residents reported being awoken by a loud bang, followed by the sight of smoke and fire rising from the affected properties. The West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service confirmed they were alerted to the situation at 12:06 am, prompting a swift deployment of five fire crews, along with technical rescue specialists and a command unit.
On arrival, firefighters found a serious blaze exacerbated by the initial explosion, which had impacted six separate homes. Utilising high-pressure water jets and aerial ladders, crews worked through the night in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread. The quick actions of the responders prevented even greater loss and safeguarded neighbouring properties.
West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service were also present at the scene, assisting in securing the area, managing evacuations, and treating those injured. Three individuals were transported to hospital for further medical assessment and care, although the extent of their injuries remains unconfirmed at this stage. The presence of the air ambulance, reportedly landing nearby at an Asda car park, underlines the seriousness of the event.
In a statement, the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service detailed their coordinated response: “We were called at 00:06 this morning to Spring Hall Grove to reports of an explosion. We sent five crews, plus the technical rescue and command unit. The explosion had affected six houses. Crews used large jets and an aerial ladder to extinguish the fire. Three people were taken to hospital. YAS and WYP [Yorkshire Ambulance Service and West Yorkshire Police] were also in attendance.”
The Northern Gas Networks also attended following concerns that the incident may have involved a gas mains leak. A spokesperson said, “Our engineers were called to attend an explosion in the Spring Hall Lane area of Halifax at 12:30 am this morning. We are working closely with the emergency services to the incident.” The gas network company is currently co-operating with fire investigators, police, and other agencies to determine the circumstances and cause of the explosion.
At this time, the source of the blast has not been officially identified. Investigations by the police and fire service are ongoing, with gas engineers conducting safety checks and collecting evidence at the scene. Residents in the affected area have been urged to remain vigilant and await further updates as the investigation progresses.
The explosion has had a significant impact on those living nearby, many of whom were forced to leave their homes at short notice. Some local inhabitants have reportedly sought shelter with family or friends, while emergency accommodation measures are being considered for those unable to return to their properties. There is no current information regarding when it will be safe for residents to re-enter the affected houses.
As Halifax comes to terms with the aftermath of this incident, questions remain about its cause and future safety measures. Authorities have pledged to keep the public informed as more information becomes available, and are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact West Yorkshire Police. The community, meanwhile, has been quick to rally around those affected, offering assistance and support in the wake of the disaster.