Northern Ireland

Explosion causes major fire in Ballymena housing estate

Emergency services tasked to scene as electricity supply cut of for safety

Emergency services at the scene following an explosion last night at Ballykeel 2 estate around 10 and this is the scene today. Police in Ballymena are appealing for information following a report of an explosion which occurred in the Orkney Drive area on Tuesday, 17th September. Inspector Hewat said: “Shortly before 10pm last night, it was reported to police that there had been an explosion at a block of flats. “When officers attended, a scene was established and all occupants in the building were evacuated. “Our colleagues from NIFRS also attended to extinguish the fire at the property, where a considerable amount of damage had been caused inside one flat. “No injuries were reported and the scene remains in place for further review. “Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine what happened and police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1876 17/24. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Emergency services at the scene following an explosion last night at Ballykeel. Picture: Colm Lenaghan
By Catherine McGinty

An explosion resulted in a significant fire at a Ballymena housing estate last night.

Following reports of the explosion, emergency services were tasked to the Orkney Drive area of the Ballykeel estate in the Co Antrim town. This included two fire appliances from Ballymena Fire Station and one fire appliance from Antrim Fire Station.

Emergency services at the scene following an explosion last night at Ballykeel 2 estate around 10 and this is the scene today. Police in Ballymena are appealing for information following a report of an explosion which occurred in the Orkney Drive area on Tuesday, 17th September. Inspector Hewat said: “Shortly before 10pm last night, it was reported to police that there had been an explosion at a block of flats. “When officers attended, a scene was established and all occupants in the building were evacuated. “Our colleagues from NIFRS also attended to extinguish the fire at the property, where a considerable amount of damage had been caused inside one flat. “No injuries were reported and the scene remains in place for further review. “Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine what happened and police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1876 17/24. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Emergency services at the scene following an explosion last night at Ballykeel. Picture: Colm Lenaghan

A spokesperson for NI Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a ground floor flat on fire yesterday evening. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 2 hose reels to extinguish the fire. The incident was dealt with by 12:39am.

“The cause of the fire remains under investigation.”

A PSNI spokesperson said Police in Ballymena were appealing for information following a report of an explosion which occurred in the Orkney Drive area on Tuesday, September 17.

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Inspector Hewat said: “Shortly before 10pm last night, it was reported to police that there had been an explosion at a block of flats.

”When officers attended, a scene was established and all occupants in the building were evacuated.

”Our colleagues from NIFRS also attended to extinguish the fire at the property, where a considerable amount of damage had been caused inside one flat.

Emergency services at the scene following an explosion last night at Ballykeel 2 estate around 10 and this is the scene today. Police in Ballymena are appealing for information following a report of an explosion which occurred in the Orkney Drive area on Tuesday, 17th September. Inspector Hewat said: “Shortly before 10pm last night, it was reported to police that there had been an explosion at a block of flats. “When officers attended, a scene was established and all occupants in the building were evacuated. “Our colleagues from NIFRS also attended to extinguish the fire at the property, where a considerable amount of damage had been caused inside one flat. “No injuries were reported and the scene remains in place for further review. “Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine what happened and police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1876 17/24. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Emergency services at the scene following an explosion last night at Ballykeel. Picture: Colm Lenaghan

”No injuries were reported and the scene remains in place for further review.

”Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine what happened and police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1876 17/09/24.

”Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

The Irish News understands the electricity in the area was switched off while fire crews dealt with the blaze. Power has since been restored.