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Gas explosion at home in Clearway, Addington, West Malling

Workmen are clearing up today after a DIY job went wrong.

A massive explosion ripped through a bungalow in a quiet residential lane in Addington, near West Malling, yesterday morning.

Neighbours to the home in Clearway spoke of a huge bang, with one lady, several doors away, saying her house shook.

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Fire crews at the scene
Fire crews at the scene
The damaged home in Clearway today
The damaged home in Clearway today

She said: "To be honest I thought a car had driven into our house, but when I went out the front I found a piece of brick on the doormat that had struck our door, but not much else - until I looked up and saw the damage to the bungalow's roof."

The whole side of the bungalow collapsed in the explosion and the roof was badly damaged.

The bungalow is usually home to a couple and their two children, but at the time of the explosion it is thought only the husband and the children's grandparents were in.

All suffered shock and minor injuries in the blast, but fortunately were not seriously hurt and were able to walk to an ambulance.

The side of the damaged home in Clearway
The side of the damaged home in Clearway

Two ambulances, a fire engine and several police cars attended the incident which happened at around 11.45am.

This morning contractors were on site clearing up the rubble ready for the family to return.

Damage to the roof at the bungalow in Clearway
Damage to the roof at the bungalow in Clearway

The side of the property has been shored up with metal acrow-props.

It is believed the explosion was caused by a blow-torch gas cannister having been left to close to a fire.

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