An elderly man survived a gas explosion which blew up his Hampshire house this morning while he slept in his front room.

The man, believed to be in his 90s, escaped serious injury in the blast which destroyed half of the rear of his terraced home and caused major structural damage to the front.

It is thought the explosion was caused by a gas cooker left on overnight.

The man was carried to safety by firefighters as residents were evacuated from eight surrounding properties in Welch Road, Southsea.

Station manager Dave Smith from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The man usually sleeps in the back of the house but was asleep in the front room of the on the ground floor of the property at the time of the explosion. Had he been in the back of the house it could have been a very different outcome.

“The explosion caused not only caused major structural damage to the elderly man’s house but also the dividing walls to the adjacent properties.

“Our crew was able to quickly assess the scene, help the man to safety and isolate the gas supply.

“We then worked with our partners to carry out a controlled evacuation plan in the area and reassure residents.”

The elderly man was taken to hospital by South Central Ambulance Service to be checked over.

Firefighters who entered the property in breathing apparatus had to carry the elderly occupant from the house to safety.

Mr Smith added: “This is a very stark reminder of the dangers gas can cause. People should always check any gas appliances or cylinders are fully turned off before they go to bed or leave their house. If you smell gas, contact the gas board and do not use naked flames or electrical items.”

Chloe Boyce, a spokeswoman for Southern Gas Networks, said: "As Southern Gas Networks is responsible for the gas distribution network in this area, we were called to a property in Southsea early this morning following reports of an explosion.


"We've carried out an investigation and can confirm the gas mains and services in the area are sound and have not contributed to what has happened. We can also confirm the explosion was caused by the gas cooker being left on. We've isolated the gas supply and done further checks which show there are no gas readings at all in the area.

"This is a stark reminder to everyone to check gas appliances are fully turned off before they go to bed or leave their house. If anyone smells gas they should contact the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999.

"Our thoughts are with the gentleman who has been injured today."