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Man in serious condition in hospital after gas explosion

News imageBBC Firefighters are the scene of the suspected gas explosion. One firefighter is up a ladder outside a row of terraced houses, while two others look on. Several roof tiles appear to be missing from the roof of a mid-terraced house. BBC
NIFRS said that the cause of the explosion was "believed to be accidental"

A man is in a serious condition in hospital after a gas explosion at a Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) property in east Belfast.

The emergency services were called to the scene on the Lower Braniel Road in east Belfast at about 12:30 GMT on Wednesday.

Two NIHE contractors, who were carrying out work to the property, were taken to hospital.

NIHE director of asset management Paul Isherwood said enquiries into the incident were "ongoing".

Greenview, which delivers the heating services contract for 11,500 NIHE properties, confirmed that the two men injured were employees of the company.

A spokesperson added: "One colleague remains in a serious condition in hospital, while the other continues to receive medical care.

"Our thoughts are with them and their families at this very difficult time.

"The cause of the incident is not yet known and is the subject of an ongoing investigation."

News imagePA People in yellow high vis jackets are outside a house. Some are wearing hard hats. One the back of one jacket states safety officer and on the back of another jacket says Housing Executive.PA
Greenview, which delivers heating services, said "one colleague remains in a serious condition"

Firefighters, ambulance staff, the air ambulance and police were involved in the operation on Wednesday.

The patients were treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said they deployed two fire appliances from Knock Fire Station and a hazmat (hazardous materials) pump from Whitla Fire Station.

Firefighters isolated the gas supply and made the scene safe.

NIFRS added that the cause of the explosion was "believed to be accidental".