Pictured: Wreckage of house where explosion killed one person

Pictures today show the catastrophic damage caused by an explosion at a house in Bedford that killed one person and left another with serious injuries. 

The collapsed roof and shattered timber frame of the house in Cleat Hill can be seen in shocking aerial photos, with bricks and rubble scattered all over the ground below.   

Bedfordshire Police is continuing its investigation this morning into what caused the fatal blast as the force confirmed a second person is in hospital with serious injuries. 

An emergency assistance centre has been set up for people who have been evacuated from their homes, as others living in the street are told to keep their windows open. 

In a post on Saturday evening, police wrote on X: 'Inquiries are ongoing to identify the cause of the explosion and residents still in their homes should keep their windows open.

'We understand that this incident is very concerning for those who live in the vicinity and are still advising for people to avoid the Cleat Hill area whilst work at the scene continues.'

Neighbours reported hearing a loud 'bang' and a shock wave at around 7.30am yesterday as the fireball erupted.

'I can't describe it. I've never heard anything like it,' a neighbour who lives near the property said. 

The resident, who was evacuated from her home following the incident, said she thought initially the noise at around 7am was caused by something falling on her roof or a car that had come off the road.

She continued to say that the 'whole roof' of the affected house 'came off' in the explosion.

She added: 'Whatever was left of the roof went up in flames, I didn't see the flames itself, when I went out it was more like smoke.

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'We weren't allowed to go closer because it wasn't safe, we were told to go back inside because they didn't know what was going to happen.

'I left at about 8 o'clock last night and fire brigade have been there through the night.'

She added that she had been told to call 101 to ask for updates on when it was safe to return to her home.

Homes around the property were evacuated and surrounding roads were closed all day as police carried out investigations.

One person was confirmed dead while another person remains in hospital after sustaining serious injuries.

Police are urging people to avoid the area and to find alternative routes.

Bedfordshire Police said in a statement: 'One person is confirmed to have died in an explosion and subsequent fire that occurred in Cleat Hill, Bedford this morning (Saturday).

'A second person was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

'Some neighbouring houses are in the process of being evacuated and there are road closures in place, which include the Kimbolton Road/Wentworth Drive junction with Cleat Hill and the junction at Bedford Road and Graze Hill.

'We are asking people to avoid the area and for motorists to find alternative routes.'

A video of the incident has been shared online, showing the extensive damage to the house.

People gather around to watch the huge inferno that completely consumed the house.

Thick black smoke can be seen billowing into the air as fire crews and vehicles are seen in the background.