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Leicester explosion: Search and rescue operation continues | Leicester explosion: Search and rescue operation continues |
(35 minutes later) | |
A search and rescue operation to find survivors of a fatal explosion in Leicester is continuing. | A search and rescue operation to find survivors of a fatal explosion in Leicester is continuing. |
Five people died in the blast in Hinckley Road at about 19:00 GMT on Sunday. | Five people died in the blast in Hinckley Road at about 19:00 GMT on Sunday. |
Five other people were taken to hospital, one of whom was in a critical condition on Monday evening, Leicestershire Police said. | Five other people were taken to hospital, one of whom was in a critical condition on Monday evening, Leicestershire Police said. |
The cause of the explosion, which residents said sounded "like an earthquake" is not yet known. | The cause of the explosion, which residents said sounded "like an earthquake" is not yet known. |
The building consisted of a shop premises on the ground level and a two-storey flat above. | The building consisted of a shop premises on the ground level and a two-storey flat above. |
The shop had gone through many owners but recently became a Polish supermarket called Zabka. It is believed to have only been trading since the new year. | The shop had gone through many owners but recently became a Polish supermarket called Zabka. It is believed to have only been trading since the new year. |
Leicestershire Police said a section of Hinckley Road is expected to remain closed for most, if not all, of Tuesday. | |
On Monday, Supt Shane O'Neill said police believe there may be more people unaccounted for. | On Monday, Supt Shane O'Neill said police believe there may be more people unaccounted for. |
A spokeswoman for the force confirmed the search and rescue operation is ongoing, and a large excavator and several emergency services vehicles remained at the scene this morning. | |
A public meeting held on Monday night was attended by residents and businesses. | A public meeting held on Monday night was attended by residents and businesses. |
Matt Cane, group manager for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, described the search and rescue operation as "dynamic and challenging". | Matt Cane, group manager for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, described the search and rescue operation as "dynamic and challenging". |
"We have all been left shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible events of [Sunday] evening," he added. | "We have all been left shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible events of [Sunday] evening," he added. |
Leicester City Council has asked for floral tributes to be left by the front steps of the Westcotes United Reform Church in Hinckley Road. |