One feared killed in mystery explosion that decimated three-storey flat as firefighters search for human remains
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One person is feared dead as fire crews continue to trawl through the rubble 24 hours after a huge blast ripped through a block of flats in Oxford.
Dramatic pictures showed the full force of the explosion which broke out at around 5pm yesterday afternoon.
Rescuers continue to scour the wreckage of the three-storey block of flats but fire officials say the site "would no longer sustain life".
Eyewitnesses described seeing people being dragged out from underneath the rubble as emergency crews arrived at the scene.
The cause of the fire is also still unknown - with initial claims it had been a 'gas' explosion since denied.
(Photo: Oxford Mail/SWNS)
(Photo: Oxford Mail/SWNS)
Supt Joe Kidman LPA Commander for Oxford City LPA, said: “This was a very concerning incident and emergency services are likely to have a significant presence in the area in the coming days.
“At this time one person remains unaccounted for and we are offering ongoing support to that person’s family at this time."
Around a dozen people were evacuated to nearby emergency accommodation overnight.
Jenny Kitzinger posted on Twitter: "My dad's ok, but here's remains of his bedroom, so reminding all re. fire safety & smoke alarms today. + a HUGE thank you to @OxonFireRescue."
Two people were treated for minor injuries including a pregnant woman who was taken to hospital following the blast.
One man - understood to be the person spotted being rescued by a fireman on a ladder from an upstairs window - was treated for smoke inhalation.
(Photo: Oxford Mail/SWNS)
(Photo: PA)
When the blaze took hold at dusk last night, a massive fireball could be seen coming from the remains of the three-storey block of flats in Gibbs Crescent, Oxford.
The building is owned by housing association A2Dominion.
Huge flames and plumes of smoke were caught on camera with the force of the explosion causing several nearby boats in the marina to catch fire too.
Neighbours say they fear the blast may have been deliberate - which is yet to be confirmed.
(Photo: PA)
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue confirmed two people sustained minor injuries - with one taken to hospital.
But a "small number" of people are still unaccounted for as rescue teams start to sweep the rubble.
A pregnant woman was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with minor injuries, while a man was treated at the scene, also for minor injuries.
(Photo: SWNS.com)
An ambulance spokesman had earlier said it was a gas mains explosion - but that has been denied by authorities.
A statement released from SGN on Tuesday, gas distribution network company for the Oxford area said: "Following reports of an explosion in the Osney Lane and Gibbs Crescent area of Oxford, our engineers joined the emergency services on site this evening.
(Photo: SWNS.com)
"While it's too early to speculate as to what has happened, we have confirmed there is no mains gas supply to the property affected."
Police have ruled out terrorism as the cause of the blast.
Casualties reported after gas blast flattens property believed to contain four flats
Eyewitness Alexander Hammonds, 43, who lives in nearby Osney Lane, took dramatic pictures of the aftermath of the explosion.
He said: "I was in my living room when I heard a massive double bang.
(Photo: SWNS.com)
"Personally I thought a lorry had overturned, so I looked out the window and saw massive plumes of smoke.
"I walked over the footbridge and from there I could see the flames from above the trees.
Oxford 'gas' explosion: Block of flats 'reduced to rubble' in huge blast as several people are still missing
"I just started using my camera, I got stupidly close. I just went in, got as many photos as I could then left because I could hear all the sirens.
"I could smell all the furniture burning. I saw the tarpaulin of a boat on fire.
"There were a lot of sounds coming from the fire which was making me really nervous because it was an explosion and I didn't want to be around if there was another one."