Five people are now confirmed to have died following an explosion at a property in Hinckley Road, Leicester, last night.
Five other people remain in hospital, one of which is in a critical condition.
Rescue work continues at the scene following the explosion and the then consequent fire.
Hinckley Road, from its junction with Bolton Road to its junction with Woodville Road, remains closed in both directions and motorists are advised to avoid the area and listen to local traffic reports for up-to-date information on road closures.
Matt Cane, Group Manager from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Crews have worked through the night, alongside Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service and other partner agencies, tackling the fire and searching the scene in order to locate any further survivors or casualties.
“There are still pockets of fire in the basement area of the building. We have a significant number of specialist search and rescue teams who are supported by two search dogs, and this level of resourcing is likely to be in place throughout the day.
“It may be some days yet before we will be able to establish the probable cause of the explosion.”
