Northern Ireland

Two taken to hospital after explosion at Newtownards house

Emergency services tasked to the scene of a blast in the Dakota Avenue area of Newtownards

Damage caused to the property at Dakota Avenue, Newtownards, in Tuesday's blast. PICTURE: PRESS EYE
Damage caused to the property at Dakota Avenue, Newtownards, in Tuesday's blast. PICTURE: PRESS EYE
By Catherine McGinty

Two people have been taken to hospital following an explosion at a house in Newtownards.

Emergency services attended the scene in the Dakota Avenue area of the town on Tuesday.

The blast occurred at around 3pm and firefighters arrived at the scene along with the charity Air Ambulance.

Newtownards explosion
Emergency services, including the Air Ambulance, at the scene of the incident. PICTURE: PRESS EYE

It is understood the explosion is suspected to have been caused by an oxygen gas tank.

A spokesperson for the NI Ambulance Service said: “Following initial assessment and treatment at scene, two patients were taken to Ulster Hospital.”

A PSNI spokesperson said on Tuesday: “At this stage, it is not believed that anyone has been seriously injured.

“The public should avoid the area at this time.”