Woman survives massive gas explosion that left gaping hole in her flat

The aftermath of the gas explosion in Hackney this morning (Picture: UKNIP)

A woman has survived a huge gas explosion in London that left a gaping hole in her flat and a pile of rubble on the lawn below.

Emergency services were called to the blast at the first floor flat in Well Street Hall, Hackney just after 2.30am this morning.

Somehow the woman inside only suffered relatively minor injuries and firefighters rescued her using a ladder.

She had been getting ready for a holiday in Australia when the explosion, thought to be caused by a malfunctioning boiler, happened.

The woman was treated at the scene for shock and burns before being taken to hospital.

Two other people were evacuated from the three-storey building.

Photos show a huge hole in the front wall of the flat, exposing what looks like a living room and bedroom, with a massive pile of rubble lying on the lawn below.

What appears to be a living room exposed by the blast (Picture: UKNIP)

London Fire Brigade posted a statement online saying: ‘A five roomed flat on the first floor, in a block of three floors, was damaged by the explosion.

‘The front and rear of the building was also damaged. A 25-metre cordon was in place whilst crews responded.

‘One resident was rescued from the flat by firefighters using a ladder, before being treated on scene and then taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.

A bedroom can be seen through the gaping hole (Picture: UKNIP)

‘The Brigade’s Control Officers took three calls reporting the incident, with the first received at 0236. The incident was under control by 0405.’

Meanwhile Hackney Council posted on X, formerly Twitter: ‘We supported @LondonFire at a residential gas explosion early Saturday morning. All residents are well and with friends or family, with one treated for minor injuries at the scene.

‘We thank the fire service for the quick response and will ensure the owner makes the building safe.’

The rubble on the lawn below (Picture: UKNIP)

The explosion happened at around 2.30am (Picture: UKNIP)

The blast comes less than a week after two men were injured in a gas explosion at a home in Blackburn.

The explosion at the house caused the walls and roof to collapse.

The men were taken to hospital but their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

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She had been preparing for a holiday to Australia when it happened.