A 68-year-old man is in a stable condition in hospital following the explosion
A house was nearly ripped apart by a "massive" gas explosion that saw debris hurled across the street and has left a man in intensive care.
He was dragged from the wreckage after the blast at a house in Treclago View, Camelford, at about 23:30 BST.
The external walls of the property were blown out but no-one else was hurt, despite nearby houses and cars being damaged.
The man, 68, is thought to be in a stable condition.
It was caused by a gas canister found in the lounge, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said.
Paul Harding ran into the remains of the house and dragged the 68-year-old man to safety
Neighbour Paul Harding, 42, described the noise as like "a bomb going off." He ran into the remains of the house and found the man standing with his arms open.
He said he pulled him out as quickly as possible because he thought the roof might collapse, and then covered him in wet towels.
A neighbour covered the man in wet towels once he had taken him out of the property
A woman who also lives nearby, Zoe Robinson, said: "I heard a massive explosion and also felt it. I was unaware what it was at the time.
"My friend went down to the house and said the person was lucky to be alive looking at the damage. It was very scary."
Most evacuated residents have since been allowed to return to their homes, apart from those living at two neighbouring properties.
The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire is being investigated and police have confirmed there is no risk of further explosions.
A cordon remains in place while work is carried out to make the damaged properties safe.
The victim was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital and it is believed was then transferred to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
