Man still fighting for life as police probe cause of flat explosion

A man remains in a critical condition following a fire in Staffordshire. A two-storey flat was damaged by an internal explosion just after 9pm on Monday, October 28.

Emergency personnel treated a man in his 20s for serious burns before he was rushed to hospital. Investigations into what caused the explosion at the property in Chase Road, Burntwood, is ongoing.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to Chase Road in Burntwood at 9.10pm [on] (Monday 28 October) following reports of an explosion. Multiple crews attended the scene and located a two-storey flat that had been damaged by an internal explosion.

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp

"A man, in his 20s, suffered serious burns. He was taken to hospital. Other properties were evacuated whilst crews worked to make the area safe.

"West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service also attended the scene, alongside gas and electrical engineers. An investigation into what caused the explosion is ongoing."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman added: "On arrival, crews found one patient, a man, with serious injuries. The man, who was in a critical condition, was treated by medics before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment."

Staffordshire Police confirmed that no one else was injured. They said: "A man has been seriously injured after an explosion and subsequent fire at a flat in Burntwood. We were called at 9.10pm last night (Monday 28 October) to reports of an explosion at a block of flats on Chase Road.

"A man has been taken to hospital by ambulance in a critical condition. No-one else was injured. Five other flats have been evacuated.

"We will work with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's fire investigators to determine the cause of the explosion. Anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting incident number 666 of 28 October.

"To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency

Child poverty is soaring in Birmingham and without urgent change, will only get worse. Having worked with charities and community groups, BirminghamLive is campaigning for the following changes to start to turn the tide:

1. End the two-child benefit cap
2. Provide free school meals to every child in poverty
3. Create a city “aid bank” for baby and child essentials
4. Protect children’s and youth services
5. Create permanent, multi year Household Support Fund and give more Discretionary Housing grants
6. Set up child health and wellbeing hubs in our most deprived neighbourhoods
7. Appoint a Birmingham child poverty tsar
8. Provide free public travel for young people

You can see why in more detail here.

Read our full report Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency here.

What you can do to help.