Three hospitalized after explosion destroys Bootle home

On Thursday, November 28, 2024, a significant explosion occurred in a two-storey property located on Benedict Street in Bootle, Liverpool, resulting in emergency services being called to the scene. The incident was reported at around 12.43 PM, and fire crews arrived shortly after at 12.49 PM. Upon their arrival, the firefighters found the ground floor of the house engulfed in fire, which prompted a swift response. Four firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, managed to rescue two individuals who were trapped inside the property, both of whom were found to be conscious and breathing at the time of their rescue. In addition to the two people rescued by the firefighters, two others had managed to escape from the house prior to the arrival of the emergency services. The severity of the situation led to a significant response from the North West Ambulance Service, which sent multiple ambulances to the scene. The individuals involved were quickly assessed, and three of them were transported to a hospital for further medical attention. A fourth patient received treatment at the scene but was discharged shortly thereafter. Following the explosion, a cordon was established around the area to ensure the safety of the public and to allow emergency responders to work effectively. Gas and electrical services were promptly isolated to prevent any further danger, and fire crews worked diligently to extinguish the flames, managing to bring the fire under control. Cadent engineers were also dispatched to the vicinity to conduct tests in the affected property and neighboring homes to evaluate any potential risks stemming from the explosion. Witness accounts revealed that nearby residents were shocked by the loud bang caused by the explosion, mistaking it initially for construction noise. However, the reality became clear when they observed emergency vehicles and a preliminary assessment of the damage. As the investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, it remains a deeply concerning incident for the local community.