‘Unimagineable’ explosion destroys pretty bungalow as woman is airlifted to hospital and family dog survives unharmed
A woman has been airlifted to hospital after an ‘unimaginable’ explosion destroyed a bungalow in Kent on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the home in Canterbury Road, Charing, near Ashford, shortly before midday where they discovered the property ablaze and largely reduced to rubble.
Fire crews confirmed a dog belonging to the family emerged from the rubble and has been handed into the care of a vet.
The injured woman is believed to have been taken by air ambulance to King’s College Hospital in London.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said crews arrived at 11.41am and four fire engines, a bulk water carrier, and fire investigation team remain at the scene, alongside Kent Police.
Residents are being warned to stay away from the area, with the road remaining closed.
A woman has been airlifted to hospital following an explosion at her Kent bungalow on Thursday morning
In a statement, KFRS said: ‘Crews have made good progress and are damping down remaining hot spots.
‘An investigation into the cause will begin when it is safe to do so.’
One witness spoke of their shock at hearing the explosion.
They told Kent Online: ‘It was an unimaginable bang – everything shook and you can see where the bungalow was. You wouldn’t wish it on anyone.’
Initially the explosion was believed to have been caused by a glider aircraft hitting the bungalow, but it has since been confirmed no plane was involved in the incident.
Emergency services remain on the scene and people are being warned to avoid the area, with Canterbury Road remaining closed (file pic)