Benwell fire - What we know so far as emergency services at 'large scale incident' in Newcastle
Emergency services were called to Benwell in Newcastle in the early hours of Wednesday and have remained at the scene with road closures in place
by Sonia Sharma · ChronicleLiveEmergency services are dealing with a "large scale" fire incident in Newcastle. Four people - three adults and a child - have been taken to hospital.
Firefighters, ambulance crews and police officers were called to Benwell at around 1am on Wednesday morning and have remained at the scene of a fire. Road closures are in place around Violet Close.
Residents in the area have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed if they see or smell smoke. Here's what we know about the incident so far, and you can follow live updates here.
What has happened?
Emergency services are dealing with a major fire incident in Benwell. It is believed to have started at around 1am. A number of fire engines, ambulances and police cars have been in the area ever since. Smoke has been seen coming from a property in Violet Close. There have been reports on social media suggesting there was an 'explosion', however this has not been confirmed.
Are there any road closures?
Yes. road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding areas. Buddle Road is closed in both directions from B1305 Atkinson Road (Benwell) to St Johns Road (Elswick).
Has anyone been injured?
Four people including a child have been taken to hospital after the incident - three adults and a child. A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 00.45h today.
“We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (HART), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical advisor to the scene. We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment."
What have the police said?
Northumbria Police have said: "We are currently at the scene of a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle. Please avoid the area. Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and residents should keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke."
What does the fire service say?
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has said: ""Shortly before 12.45am today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle. Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene.
"We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle. Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice. Thank you."
Follow live updates from this developing story here.
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