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Two taken to hospital after suspected gas explosion

BBC Firefighters are the scene of the suspected gas explosion. One firefighter is up a ladder outside a row of terraced houses, while two others look on. Several roof tiles appear to be missing from the roof of a mid-terraced house. BBC
Firefighters said they were called to an explosion at a mid-terraced house on Lower Braniel Road on Wednesday afternoon

Two men have been taken to hospital following a suspected gas explosion at a house in east Belfast.

The emergency services were called to the scene on the Lower Braniel Road in east Belfast at about 12:30 GMT on Wednesday.

Firefighters, ambulance staff, the air ambulance and police were involved in the operation.

The patients were treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Alderman James Lawlor is looking into the camera. He's standing in the street. Emergency tape is up. A fire engine is parked.
Local councillor James Lawlor thanked the emergency services

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said they deployed two fire appliances from Knock Fire Station and a hazmat (hazardous materials) pump from Whitla Fire Station.

Firefighters isolated the gas supply and made the scene safe.

NIFRS added that the cause of the explosion was "believed to be accidental".

Local councillor James Lawlor said he had been in the area making sure anyone in need of temporary accommodation was "sorted out".

"Our thanks go to the emergency services who were here on site extremely quickly," he added.

Lawlor said there did not seem to be "any major structural damage to the neighbouring properties".

He added that the fire service were carrying out structural checks "to ensure that everything is safe".

The road had been closed in both directions overnight but reopened on Thursday morning.