Two people were taken to hospital after a gas explosion caused a house to collapse.

Firefighters rescued a man from the rubble after the walls and roof of the terraced home in London Road, Blackburn, crumbled.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

A second man was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with minor injuries, the local council said.

Officials said Sunday’s explosion at about 8pm destroyed a family’s home – while 50 people were forced to leave their homes after nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution.

A rest centre was set up at the Noorani Education Centre on Hartley Street.

An investigation has been launched by Lancashire Police.

Officials said there was no ongoing risk from either gas or the building collapse.

Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “The gas explosion must have been really frightening for everybody involved.

“I’m really sorry one family has lost their home and eight other families needed to be evacuated.

“I hope the man who was inside at the time makes a speedy recovery.

“I know that people in the community pulled together to make sure the 50 people who needed to leave their homes had a safe place to go last night which has helped tremendously.”

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Lancashire Police has asked people to avoid the area if they can.

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