A woman has tragically died after being caught in a suspected gas explosion that destroyed her bungalow on Canterbury Road in Charing, Kent. The explosion, which occurred on Thursday, September 19, left her home in ruins. Despite being airlifted to King’s College Hospital in south London, the woman succumbed to her injuries, Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed today (September 20).
Emergency services, including four fire engines, a bulk water carrier, a fire investigation team, and Kent Police, rushed to the scene at around 11:41 AM on Thursday. Upon arrival, they found the property engulfed in flames and reduced largely to rubble. Crews worked tirelessly for nearly 10 hours to fully extinguish the fire, with hot spots finally being cooled by 9:30 PM that evening.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with specialist fire investigators on-site working to determine what led to the devastating blast. Early reports speculated that a glider aircraft might have been involved in the incident, but authorities have since confirmed that no aircraft was involved.
A family dog was also found at the scene and was taken into the care of a local veterinarian.
Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion that shook the surrounding area. One local resident said that there, “It was an unimaginable bang – everything shook, and you can see where the bungalow was. You wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
The area around the destroyed bungalow was initially cordoned off for public safety but has since been reopened as investigations continue.
Authorities have expressed their condolences to the woman’s family during this difficult time.
