A TOTAL of 21 people had to be evacuated in Bromyard this morning after three gas cylinders exploded following a fire.
Six fire engines, teams specialising in hazardous materials, fire investigation officers and the incident support unit were all called to The Crest in Edwyn Ralph, shortly before 12.30am.
A spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) said: "The fire involved a large quanitity of hoarded material including vehicles and other mixed waste adjacent to a bungalow. Also involved were a number of gas cylinders, at least three exploding during fire fighting operations."
A total of 21 people were evacuated from 12 homes and taken to a rest centre at Bromyard leisure centre.
Firefighters will be detained due to the confirmed presence of acetylene cylinders.
Power lines were disrupted leading to the loss of power to a small number of homes.
Western Power were due to attend this morning.
The subsequent road closure meant that the usual gritting routes have been disrupted, so people should take extra care when out and about.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
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