Northern Ireland

Gas explosion sounded like a 'bomb' going off

Fire crews at the scene of a gas explosion at a newly opened Indian restaurant on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Picture Mal McCann.
Fire crews at the scene of a gas explosion at a newly opened Indian restaurant on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Picture Mal McCann. Fire crews at the scene of a gas explosion at a newly opened Indian restaurant on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Picture Mal McCann.

One person has been injured following a suspected gas explosion at a newly opened Indian restaurant in east Belfast.

The force of the blast at the Clay Oven restaurant in Ballyhackamore shattered windows, covering the street in broken glass.

The restaurant only opened its doors for the first time at the weekend.

Local people described the explosion as "like a bomb going off".

Emergency services closed off part of the Upper Newtownards Road from Sandown Road to Eastleigh Drive while they examined the scene.

There were fears that the building may have been rendered unstable by the blast and neighbouring shops and restaurants were also evacuated as a precaution.

Motorists were asked to avoid the area.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it sent three fire engines to the scene while the NI Ambulance Service said one person was taken to hospital.

The injured man is believed to have suffered severe arm injuries.

Gas supply was cut off to adjoining properties and an investigation is now underway into the cause of the blast.