2 days ago
Enormous house explosion that put two in hospital 'was caused by gas used to make super-strength cannabis oil'
An enormous house explosion that hospitalised two people is suspected to have been 'caused by gas used to make a super-strength cannabis oil'.
The blast on Thursday in Spring Hall Grove, Halifax, West Yorkshire, has left two men in a critical condition, with a 'large number of butane gas canisters' found in the wreckage.
Up to 14 homes were evacuated by the explosion that appeared to rip off at least one home, sending debris into the streets.
Now, the significant number of butane gas canisters found at the scene are believed to be evidence of mass production of Butane Hash Oil (BHO), a strong and concentrated cannabis extract.
Known for its high THC levels, often exceeding those of traditional cannabis, the drug is typically consumed through dabbing, a relatively new method of ingesting the substance.
Produced through a chemical process that uses butane to extract the oils from cannabis, the drug process has gained increased popularity across the UK, USA and Australia.
Photographs taken in the immediate aftermath of the explosion showed hundreds of gas cannisters scattered across the scene, appearing to have been stored in an upstairs bedroom.
In an updated statement on the explosion, West Yorkshire Police confirmed that a 'large number of butane gas cannisters' had been found at the property and that they were 'forming part of our ongoing enquiries'.
The force, who said they were working alongside West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in investigating the fire's circumstances, also confirmed that two adult males had been taken to hospital with 'serious injuries' and that they 'remain in hospital in a critical condition'.
Detective Chief Inspector Clare Smith added: 'We understand that there will be speculation in the community about what has happened and the cause of this explosion.
'We are working alongside specialist fire investigators to ensure a comprehensive investigation is carried out into this incident.'
One local witness, who lives around 20 metres from the blast, described the explosion as 'like a nuclear bomb going off'.
They added: Everyone was screaming "get out of the house".
'I got my kids out and we went in the back. There's bricks and tiles in the street, all the cars are dented, and there are butane gas canisters in the street.
'There was a family with children living next door to the house and a middle-aged woman with a dog.
'Our house was shaking and could feel the whole thing tremble when the first bang went off.
The force, who said they were working alongside West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in investigating the fire's circumstances, also confirmed that two adult males had been taken to hospital with 'serious injuries' and that they 'remain in hospital in a critical condition'
Pictured: the aftermath of the explosion which caused a huge fire with flames and smoke erupting into the sky
'I looked outside and there was fire everywhere.'
Meanwhile, Sheena Bashir was awoken by the blast which happened less than a minute's walk from her home.
Describing the explosion as 'unreal', she said: 'You see stuff like that in the movies, not round here.
'I was asleep and then I heard something like a bomb had gone off. I looked out of the window and could see the house was absolutely lit.'
While Mrs Bashir was on the phone to the emergency services, smaller bangs after the initial blast could be heard.
She said: 'There was one big bang and a lot of smaller ones.'
Sophie Storer, 19, only moved to the street two weeks ago, and saw the flames after the explosion. She told MEN: 'I went upstairs about 12 and heard a massive bang. I looked out my window and I just saw red and orange rising up.
'My mum and Bougie were asleep. They came upstairs and we started filming to see what was going on.'
Produced through a chemical process that uses butane to extract the oils from cannabis, the drug process of Butane Hash Oil (BHO) has gained increased popularity across the UK, USA and Australia.
'It's my birthday today and it's going to be a memorable one. It was a birthday with a bang for sure.'
Shakes Hussain, 40, added: 'All the houses were shaking. I heard a big bang and then it was straight fire.
'It sounded like a big blast. I was scared, could hear people screaming. I got no sleep because I was scared and worried.'
In a previous statement, West Yorkshire Police said that they had been called to the property at Coventry Street, Halifax, at 12.04am.
They also confirmed that two people from one property had been taken to hospital with serious injuries, while a third person, from another property, had received treatment for minor injuries.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We sent five crews, plus the technical rescue and command unit. 'The explosion had affected six houses. Crews used large jets and an aerial ladder to extinguish the fire'
A police corden continues to remain in place on Coventry Street as Northern Powergrid employees continue to work in and evacuated terraced properties.
Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We sent five crews, plus the technical rescue and command unit.
'The explosion had affected six houses. Crews used large jets and an aerial ladder to extinguish the fire.
'Three people were taken to hospital.'
A police corden continues to remain in place on Coventry Street as Northern Powergrid employees continue to work in and evacuated terraced properties.
Northern Gas Networks previously said it was assisting but that the incident was 'not suspected to be related to our network'.
