GAS EXPLOSION: Men hailed as heroes after Blackpool blast rescue drama

A man who raced into a building as it collapsed around him to rescue people trapped following a massive gas explosion has been hailed as a hero.
Explosion on Charles Street in Blackpool
Picture: Donna CliffordExplosion on Charles Street in Blackpool
Picture: Donna Clifford
Explosion on Charles Street in Blackpool Picture: Donna Clifford

The blast inside a three-storey terraced property on Charles Street rocked the area, with neighbours fearing a bomb had gone off.

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‘I thought it was a bomb’: Neighbours tell of shock after major gas explosion sh...
Explosion on Charles Street in Blackpool
Picture: Donna CliffordExplosion on Charles Street in Blackpool
Picture: Donna Clifford
Explosion on Charles Street in Blackpool Picture: Donna Clifford
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A 72-year-old woman last night remained in a serious condition in hospital after being trapped in the rubble until she was freed by firefighters.

Roads were closed and homes evacuated on Saturday following the explosion, at around 5.55pm, which blew the rear of the property apart and sent debris flying into the street.

But tattoo artist Jason Slater was one of the men who risked their lives to go inside after hearing an elderly man inside calling for help.

Debris from the blast was strewn across the alley at the back of the propertyDebris from the blast was strewn across the alley at the back of the property
Debris from the blast was strewn across the alley at the back of the property
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The 42-year-old told The Gazette: “The house was just obliterated downstairs - the ceilings were hanging in.

“He was the other side of a massive pile of bricks. We had to climb across to get to him.

“He said his wife was still in the kitchen. The other guy went into the kitchen to look for her but couldn’t see anybody - half the kitchen was gone.

“I could hear the building falling down around us. I just said we’ve got to get this guy out of the house.

Rescue services at the sceneRescue services at the scene
Rescue services at the scene
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“He was just so concerned for his wife. I hope she’s all right.”

After news of his actions spread online over the weekend, Gazette readers were quick to praise Jason, who works at Mosters INK’d on Cookson Street.

Posting online, Steve James wrote: “What a great guy, helping others with no thought for his own safety.”

And Debbie Louise said: “We need more people like this. You are heroes.”

The scene on Charles Street where police said there has been a 'large gas explosion'The scene on Charles Street where police said there has been a 'large gas explosion'
The scene on Charles Street where police said there has been a 'large gas explosion'
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Kath Morrison also called him a ‘hero’, while Rachel Louise Hutchinson wrote: “Thank goodness he was there to help them. They must have been terrified.”

But Jasaon said: “I don’t see myself as a hero - I just went in to help the guy get out.”

And describing the moment the blast hit, he recalled: “I just saw the front of the building go completely out.

“Parts of the building just disappeared into the street.”

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