In a tragic incident in Bristol, two adults died following an explosion at a house early Sunday morning. The explosion occurred around 6.30am on Sterncourt Road in Speedwell, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
Three other individuals, including a child, sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. Avon and Somerset Police have declared this a major incident and are treating the explosion as suspicious, although they have ruled out terrorism as a motive.
The police cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure, taking about 15 to 20 minutes to secure the site. Residents living within the cordon were evacuated to a temporary rest centre at a local Harvester restaurant.
Superintendent Matt Ebbs expressed gratitude towards the community for their cooperation during this distressing time. “People living within the cordon were evacuated to a temporary rest centre and we want to thank them for their ongoing cooperation and understanding,” he said.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding the explosion. “We ask people not to speculate around the circumstances and continue to encourage the public to avoid the area while emergency services respond to this incident,” stated Avon and Somerset Police.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety in residential areas, particularly given recent changes to national threat levels. As investigations continue, local residents remain on high alert, hoping for clarity on what led to this devastating event.