Swansea: authorities pull missing body from rubble of gas explosion which injured three others

The body of a missing man has been pulled from the rubble of residential building in Swansea after it collapsed due to a suspected gas explosion.

Three people had been found injured by authorites earlier in the day, after emergency services were called to the scene on the junction of Field Close and Clydach Road in Morriston. The missing man has been unaccounted for in the intial search, however it has now been confirmed that the body was found by those searching the rubble.

Superintendent Steve Jones said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has lost his life and those affected by this tragic incident. We are doing everything possible to reduce the impact on the wider community and allow access to homes as quickly as possible where it is safe to do so. I would like to thank the community for the patience and support during what is a challenging incident.”

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said on Twitter his thoughts are with residents after the suspected gas explosion, which "looks like an extremely serious incident". Police have also asked the public to stay away from the scene while the clean-up continues.

South Wales Police said three people had been taken to hospital by ambulance. “One person is currently unaccounted for and work is ongoing to locate them,” a police spokeswoman said.

“Two properties have been extensively damaged and other neighbouring properties have also been damaged. A rest centre has been set up by the local authority to support those affected. This is an ongoing incident, so more detail will be provided when we have a clearer picture.

“A cordon remains in place and people are asked to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing. Clydach Road remains closed and traffic is being diverted,” she said.

A spokesperson for local gas company Wales & West Utilities said the cause of the explosion was still under investigation. “We were called to reports of an explosion at a property in the Clydach Road area of Swansea this morning... and immediately sent a team of engineers.

“On arrival, we found that there had been severe structural damage to the property and the emergency services were in control of the scene. We are now working with them to make the area safe – as we do on all incidents of this nature,” they said. “We do not yet know the cause of the explosion and our engineers will continue to support the emergency services as they carry out their work.”

Neighbours have told Wales Online there was damage to a number of nearby houses. Leanne Lewis, who was visiting her mother, said she ran outside when she heard the explosion and "saw all the debris" covering the street.

"There was dust rubble, and the glass in the windows next to the house were all blown. The noise was just horrendous and I thought there had been a big crash," she said. Residents have reported that two people were pulled from one of the properties, Wales Online says.