Horror Charing bungalow explosion with 'unimaginable bang' as woman rushed to hospital

Neighbours in Ashford, Kent, heard an "unimaginable bang" as an explosion damaged a bungalow, and one woman has been airlifted to King's College Hospital in London

A woman has been airlifted to hospital following an explosion at a bungalow.

Emergency services have descended on the property, now significantly damaged, in Charing, Kent, and have warned people to avoid the area.

Kent Police, five fire engines and a bulk water carrier rushed to the address after neighbours heard an "unimaginable bang" this afternoon. It was initially thought a glider aircraft collided with the bungalow, but police this was not the case.

Photographs show extensive damage to the home. One woman was taken in an air ambulance to King's College Hospital in London for treatment, it has been confirmed. The family dog walked out to firefighters from the rubble and has been handed into the care of a vet.

One neighbour said: "It was an unimaginable bang – everything shook and you can see where the bungalow was. You wouldn’t wish it on anyone."

The South East Coast Ambulance service (SECamb) said: “SECAmb were called at approx 11.50am this morning to reports that a glider aircraft collided with a property in Charing, Ashford.

“Crews assessed and treated one female at the scene, before being joined by the Air Ambulance Charity, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, who airlifted the patient to King's College Hospital in London for further medical treatment."

In its latest update, a Kent Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “Crews remain at the scene of a bungalow fire, following an explosion, in Canterbury Road, Charing.

“One person has been taken to hospital by SECAmb paramedics. People are still urged to avoid the area while emergency services work at the scene.

“Please share this information with loved ones set to travel through the affected area this afternoon, who may not have access to the internet.”

Nearby residents and shopkeepers have reportedly been evacuated from the area, with police cordons blocking access to roads. Distressed, visibly upset people could be seen behind the cordon, where "police accident" and traffic diversion signs were in place, reports Kent Online.

A police spokesperson said: “Police are currently assisting at the scene of a fire reported at 11.44am on Canterbury Road, Charing. A road closure is in place while crews respond to the incident.”