A man critically wounded in an explosion in Swindon has been airlifted to a hospital in Wales.
Emergency services were called to a serious incident at an address in Thornbridge Avenue, Park South, at around 5.30pm on Saturday afternoon (26 October).
Great Western Air Ambulance landed nearby as the charity’s critical care medics rushed to help the casualty – who reportedly sustained significant burns.
Neighbours claimed that an explosion within a brick shed in the rear garden left a man in a life-threatening condition.
CCTV footage seen by Wiltshire 999s confirms a loud bang occurred shortly before 999 crews arrived at the location.
Two fire crews attended the scene, provided first aid and extinguished the fire as police cordoned off the road to motorists and pedestrians.
The injured man was airlifted to The Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital near Swansea, in Wales, for specialist care.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway, with fire investigators, detectives and forensics at the property this morning (Sunday).
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We attended reports of a fire in Thornbridge Avenue, Swindon yesterday evening (26/10) to support our emergency services colleagues.
“A man was 50s was taken to hospital with serious life-threatening injuries.
“Officers put a cordon at the address while investigation work is carried out.”
