BREAKING: Child confirmed dead in Thornton Heath explosion
A child has been killed in a house explosion in Thornton Heath.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed the child was dead at the scene after a fire and explosion at a property in Galpin’s Road at around 7am today.
Emergency services have been at the scene all day searching through the rubble, and four people have been rescued, three of them hospitalised.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Welch, who is at the scene, said: “Firefighters carried out a search of the property and sadly a child was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends and the local community at this time.”
Six fire engines and about 40 firefighters were called to the explosion where a terraced house collapsed and neighbouring properties were also damaged.
About 40 properties in the area have been evacuated as a precaution and a 50m cordon is in place.
A statement from LFB said: “The brigade was called at 0708am. Fire crews from Norbury, Mitcham, West Norwood, Woodside and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The brigade’s urban search and rescue teams were also on scene.
“The brigade worked in partnership with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service.
“The cause of the fire and explosion is not known at this time.”
Pictured top: Rescue workers attempt to find people in the rubble (Picture: London Fire Brigade)