An investigation has been launched into the explosion which devastated a West Cumbrian street.
Three people were seriously injured in the incident in Hugh Street, Bransty, Whitehaven on New Year’s Eve.
Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive and other agencies including Cumbria police and fire service started yesterday, Wednesday January 1 and are ongoing.
Cumberland Council said support continues to be provided to affected residents and emergency services remain on site.
A face-to-face meeting was held with residents this morning in Bransty. Welfare and emergency housing support was provided by Cumberland Council.
The council said it was also working with emergency services and utility companies to make the area safe.
Displaced residents have either been accommodated with family/friends or have been supported by Cumberland Council to find alternative accommodation.
Anyone else affected by the incident that needs emergency housing support is advised to contact the council’s out-of-hours Copeland homelessness team at 0300 373 3730 or email housing.options@cumberland.gov.uk
The police placed a cordon at the site soon after the incident was reported and this continues to prevent access into the cul de sac.
Once concluded, the council will assess the structure of the affected buildings and will look at what work is needed to make the area safe, it said.
There is also a considerable amount of debris to clear, it added. The area will remain cordoned off until the area is made safe.
Utilities will be reconnected when it is safe to do so.
