Bedford explosion: Deadly flats blast that killed one ‘sparked by camping stove’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “There is a possibility that there will be more fatalities discovered in the coming days as we continue to search through the scene and a number of people, as my colleague from the fire services has identified, were injured as well today.” open image in gallery Firefighters at the scene of fire in Redwood Grove, Bedford Chris Bigland, deputy chief fire officer for Bedfordshire police, added: “Gas wasn’t linked to the building. We can’t rule it out — we just don’t know.” Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service earlier described the blaze as a “major incident”, while a local resident said they saw one person leap from a second-floor window to escape the burning building. “Our building is adjacent to the apartment complex - immediately an inferno visible, huge smoke cloud billowing, people screaming and people frantically calling for emergency services.” open image in gallery Nearby Shackleton Primary School was also evacuated as a result of the blaze Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they saw a person jumping from a second-floor window to escape the burning building. “One person was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for treatment for leg injuries, while two people, one of whom was a firefighter, were conveyed to Bedford Hospital South Wing with smoke inhalation.” Nearby Shackleton Primary School was evacuated as a result of the fire, with headteacher Andy George saying in a statement: “Following the fire in the Redwood Grove area of Bedford earlier today, pupils at Shackleton Primary have been sent home due to the school’s proximity to the incident.