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Two families left homeless after gas explosion at house in Ardoyne

Contractors repair a gas supply after a fire caused a gas explosion at a house in Farringdon Gardens in Ardoyne. Picture by Mal McCann
Contractors repair a gas supply after a fire caused a gas explosion at a house in Farringdon Gardens in Ardoyne. Picture by Mal McCann Contractors repair a gas supply after a fire caused a gas explosion at a house in Farringdon Gardens in Ardoyne. Picture by Mal McCann

TWO families have been left homeless after a gas explosion at a house in north Belfast.

A fire broke out at the house in Farringdon Gardens in Ardoyne at around 7pm on Wednesday.

Around 15 minutes after firefighters had evacuated nearby homes, a gas explosion caused severe damage to the house and an adjoining property, but there were no reports of any injuries.

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said that families living in the two houses, including young children, would not be able to return to their homes and were seeking temporary accommodation.

"The living room was ripped apart and there was a lot of scorch damage to the property next door as well," he told The Irish News.

One woman, Shannon McAllister, wrote on Facebook: "You really count your blessings at time like this thanks everyone for asking if we're okay you never think something like that would happen to you but we're all just so lucky things could have been worse."

Dozens of families were evacuated from their houses just before the explosion, with the Ardoyne Community Centre opened to residents.

Shortly before 10pm, residents were allowed to return to their homes.

There had been speculation that a firework was to blame for the initial fire, but it is understood that this has been ruled out as a possible cause.

The PSNI said that "initial investigations indicate no crime has occurred" while the Fire Service said that the cause of the fire is "not yet determined".

"Firefighters extinguished the fire before a small gas explosion lifted floorboards and the ceiling inside the house. Two firefighters were blown off balance but were unhurt in the incident," a Fire Service spokeswoman said.

"Phoenix Gas and NIE attended the incident and assisted at the scene. The Fire Emergency Support Service was also in attendance and provided support for those affected by the incident."