A house has been destroyed after a large fire in Newcastle. Four people – one of them a child – have been taken to hospital.
The incident happened on Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area of Newcastle a little before 1am today, Wednesday, October 16.
Drone images reveal at least one house appears to have been completely destroyed. Firefighters can be seen in the rubble and the roof has collapsed.
Debris is also scattered in the street. Now locals are being urged to keep windows and doors shut because of smoke.
Drivers are also being urged to avoid the area. Road closures are in place.
A spokesman for North East Ambulance Service said: “We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 12.45am today. We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (Hart), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical adviser to the scene.
“We treated and conveyed four patients – three adults and one child – to hospital for further treatment.” A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Shortly before 12.45am today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle.
“Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene. Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tweeted in the early hours of the morning: “We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large-scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle. Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice.”