Around 40 firefighters and six fire engines responded to a suspected gas explosion on Western Road in Southall.

The first floor and roof of a two-storey building suffered significant structural damage as a result of the building partially collapsing. The first floor and roof was damaged by a fire which was caused by an explosion. The building's ground floor accommodates a shop, while the first floor comprises flats.

The two men and a woman managed to exit the building before the firefighters' arrival. London Ambulance Service crews transported them to the hospital, and no other injuries were reported. As a precautionary measure, neighbouring properties were evacuated, and road closures were implemented.

---

Western Road was blocked between The Prince of Wales Pub and Southall Lane due to the fire. There were queues throughout the area and back onto the A312 from the Ossie Garvin Roundabout and the M4. Buses 105, 195, 482 and H32 were diverting

The suspected gas explosion occurred above Royal Taste Food Hut on 240 Western Road, near the junction with Old Manor Road.

Station Commander Simon Horn, who was at the scene, said: "Crews were joined by our Urban Search and Rescue team using specialist equipment to carry out a systematic search of the property. They were able to confirm that everyone has been accounted for."

---

"Initial crews worked quickly in a challenging situation to extinguish the fire. However, a cordon of around 50 metres will remain in place and people are asked to avoid the area."

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received eight emergency calls related to the incident. The first call was at 13:29, and the situation was under control by 16:05. Firefighters from Southall, Feltham, and other nearby stations promptly arrived at the site.

There's just been a gas explosion on the second floor of a property in Southall - unsure if there have been any injuries as of yet pic.twitter.com/xkl3KqvJ33

— UB1UB2 SOUTHALL (@UB1UB2) April 30, 2023

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.