SHOCKING footage shows the moment a terraced house was blown to bits in a huge explosion with 60 firefighters battling the blaze.
The blast blew off the roof and sent glass and bricks flying across Ley Street in Ilford, east London, as a bus and cars were driving down.
Firefighters were seen spraying water onto its roof even two hours after the alarm was first raised at 4.09pm.
By then, flames could still be seen rising as smoke billowed out.
In footage posted online, one pedestrian was seen running to avoid the spray of debris from shattered windows.
The entire first floor and loft conversion of the property were engulfed in flames at its height.
In total, eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responded to the fire, which was under control by 6.23pm.
Pictures from the scene showed a bus stranded on the street while firefighters tackled the blaze.
A 32-metre ladder was used to fight the fire from above while a drone was deployed to give firefighters an aerial view of the house.
Two people were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.
Fire crews remained at the scene throughout the evening with the cause of the explosion under investigation.
Residents are continuing to be told to avoid the area with the road being closed while the incident is being investigated.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Station Commander Darren McTernan commended the efforts of the firefighters in getting the fire under control. He mentioned that the crews would be staying at the scene all evening to ensure the situation remains stable.
McTernan also informed the public about the road closure on Ley Street between Eastern Avenue and Vicarage Road, emphasizing the impact on traffic in the vicinity. He advised people to steer clear of the area if possible to avoid further disruptions.
“One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as a water tower to help fight the fire from above.
“The Brigade’s drone team were also deployed to the incident, offering the Incident Commander an aerial view of the scene.”
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at 4.08pm on December 10 to reports of a fire at a residential property in Ley Street, Ilford.
“We have attended alongside the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.
“We remain at the scene and cordons are in place.”
