‘Like a war zone’: Drone footage reveals scale of devastation after Wirral explosion (VIDEOS)
A local photographer has captured a bird’s eye view of Wirral, England, after a suspected gas explosion flattened a dance studio and row of commercial properties in the borough.
Drone footage from a Wirral-based cameraman, who goes by the name Pixels In The Sky, reveals large scale devastation around Boundary Road and Circular Drive, New Ferry after the explosion on Saturday night.
Footage from the scene shows the collapsed remains of the Complete Works dance studios with debris strewn across a residential block.
Significant damage was also inflicted on surrounding buildings, as the blast sent missiles of brick and wood flying towards the facades of nearby properties.
According to Wirral Council, at least 30 people were injured in the blast, which destroyed “several buildings” at around 9pm on Saturday.
Our emergency team in New Ferry, working with emergency services, have set up a refuge for people who have been displaced. Updates to follow
— Wirral Council (@WirralCouncil) March 25, 2017
A number of road closures in the area also remain in place as authorities from the local council and emergency services continue to pick through the debris. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, local resident Martin Lennon described the scenes as something from a “war zone.”
Martin Lennon, 53, says it was like a 'warzone' as his doors and windows smashed. pic.twitter.com/UxEdgrsK8o
— Tom Belger (@tom_belger) March 26, 2017
“It sort of happened in slow motion. The curtains just lifted up and then the windows and the doors came in... [There was] debris everywhere. Basically we had to evacuate the house and it was just like a warzone outside,” Lennon said.
Massive explosion on the #wirralpic.twitter.com/TDYOpTQKOj
— Phil Wilson (@floorphillaz) March 25, 2017
Think this one image says it all.
— James Maloney (@YouFromTheEcho) March 26, 2017
Firecrews survey the 'war zone' following a major gas explosion in New Ferry, Wirral @LivEchonewspic.twitter.com/cw0MJDEkZP
First daylight images of #wirralexplosion#NewFerrypic.twitter.com/JgJx42FavN
— Wirral Radio (@WirralRadio921) March 26, 2017
Bebington Road shops and cars damaged in the New Ferry explosion @LivEchonews#NewFerry#Wirralpic.twitter.com/CklUbiTCBT
— Colin Lane (@snapperlane) March 26, 2017
Explosion on Wirral was in New Ferry. Got a photo of the place and what it is like now #wirralpic.twitter.com/kpzWBaBmwH
— Phil Edwards (@Live_for_Films) March 25, 2017
In the wake of the explosion, Labour MP Alison McGovern thanked the emergency services as well as Life Church, which gave shelter to a number of evacuees.
“The consequences of this event are devastating,” McGovern added in a statement.
Further statement on New Ferry explosion last night: https://t.co/z8G2DYxt00
— Alison McGovern (@Alison_McGovern) March 26, 2017
READ MORE: House destroyed by explosion in Manchester
“The buildings affected are central to the shopping area in New Ferry. I will be working with Cllr Phil Davies, leader of Wirral Council, and local ward councillors to understand how the community can move forward from this terrible blast,” the MP said.
