Newcastle house explosion: Vicar's tragic 10-word response after boy, 7, killed in blast

Reverand Chris Minchin of Benwell and Scotswood Team Parish explained how the community of Benwell and Elswick was in "shock" but quickly banded together to gather donations for those impacted

A community has been left "devastated" after a house explosion killed a seven-year-old boy, with a local vicar giving a heartbreaking response to the tragedy.

Six people were rushed to hospital and a young boy died at the scene after an explosion and fire at a house in Violet Close in Newcastle's Benwell and Elswick area. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 12.45am on Wednesday morning, but despite their best efforts, the young boy could not be saved.

"Nobody can prepare mentally or spiritually for something like that," a local vicar explained as the community was reeling from the tragedy. He explained that people were in "shock" but quickly came together to do what they could to support those impacted.

Along with six people being taken to hospital, many neighbours and nearby residents were instructed to leave their homes. In response, the community rallied to collect items needed by these families, and The West End Women and Girls Centre also opened, offering food and a "warm welcome".

An evacuation centre was set up for those forced to leave their homes with the Red Cross on the scene giving out mobile phone chargers and food. Reverand Chris Minchin of Benwell and Scotswood Team Parish said: "Everyone is really tired, they have been up all night, it's been tough.

"People are just starting to talk, nobody can prepare mentally or spiritually for something like that. There was a busyness before. It is only hitting people now."

The Reverand explained that many who were caught up in the explosion and forced to leave their homes were in their pyjamas, given the time of night, and were "grabbing" pets as they fled. He added that St James's Church in Benwell Lane would be open for prayers and candles would be lit for those affected.

Drone footage from the scene showed the scale of the devastation, with debris strewn across the residential street and in front of neighbouring properties. Two terraced houses were almost completely obliterated in the blast, their roofs missing and a huge crater left.

Speaking to the media at a press conference yesterday afternoon, Superintendent Darren Adams of Northumbria Police said: "It is with great sadness I stand before you today following the death of a young child. As a result of the incident here in the early hours of the morning a seven year old has sadly passed away. Despite the efforts of emergency services he died at the scene. This is a truly devastating outcome.

"I have no doubt the people of Elswick and Benwell and our wider region will want to join me in sending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends. The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable.

"The boys' loved ones are being supported by specialist officers and we would ask their privacy be respected at this time. I can confirm six people were taken to hospital with varying injuries.

"A number of people were also evacuated and are being supported by our colleagues from Newcastle City Council. They are working with our partners and the community to ensure all those remain in the area are safe.

"Investigations are ongoing to establish how the explosion occurred. These enquires are still in the very early stage and in the coming hours and days we will continue to piece together what has happened so we can provide answers to the family as well as the wider public.

"We would appeal to anyone who has any information about what has happened to contact us. It is likely the cordon will remain in place for some time as we continue to carry out our investigations. This is an incredibly tragic incident."