Married At First Sight UK star has raised more than £15,00 after a seven-year-old boy was killed in an explosion at a council house in Newcastle.
Kieran Chapman, who is currently appearing on Married at First Sight UK and is based in Newcastle, set up the fundraiser to ‘raise as much money as possible for the families involved’.
The explosion in South Benwell took place at around 12.45am yesterday, with several flats reduced to rubble and a huge emergency response in the area, which continued throughout the day.
A seven-year-old boy died at the scene with police confirming six others were taken to hospital.
Gas vans are at the scene of the explosion this morning as searches are ongoing in the area to ensure everyone is accounted for.
Photographs show emergency services scouring through piles of rubble as smoke emits from the burned debris
Married at First Sight UK Kieran Chapman set up the fundraiser to ‘raise as much money as possible for the families involved’
Emergency services at the scene at Violet Close in Benwell after the explosion at the council house
A mechanical digger picks up the rubbles and remains following the explosion
On hearing about the explosion, Mr Chapman said: ‘I received a message about what had happened this morning and my jaw just dropped.
‘I put myself in the position of the family who lost their son and those people who have lost their homes, and I knew I needed to do whatever I could to help.
‘It’s an awful situation and my heart is breaking for all of the families involved. I think that the West End is a real community, and I just want to do my bit and be part of the community coming together in this way.’
This fundraising is alongside the work being done by Merton Lodge community centre, which has been taking donations throughout the day, after manager Emma Skillen decided to provide shelter for around 50 families who have been evacuated.
It is currently unknown what caused the ‘explosion’ but police have confirmed an investigation is now underway.
Speaking yesterday, Superintenent Darren Adams said: ‘It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today following the tragic death of a young child.
‘As a result of the incident in the early hours of this morning, a seven-year-old boy has sadly passed away.
‘Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he tragically died at the scene.
‘This is a truly devastating outcome.’
It is currently unknown what caused the ‘explosion’ and people have been urged to avoid the area
Aerial views showing the scene of devastation on Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle, (pictured) as police confirm one boy has tragically died
Flames engulfing what appears to be a property on Violet Close in Newcastle (pictured)
Emergency services were pictured working amongst the rubble and debris to ensure no-one else had been caught up in the blast
Superintendent Adams added: ‘I have no doubt that the people of Elswick and Benwell, and our wider region, will want to join me in extending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends.
‘The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable.
‘I can confirm six people were taken to hospital with varying injuries.
‘A number of people were also evacuated and are being supported by our colleagues from Newcastle City Council.
‘They are working with our partners and the community to ensure all those remain in the area are safe.
‘Investigations are ongoing to establish how the explosion occurred.
‘These enquires are still in the very early stage and in the coming hours and days we will continue to piece together what has happened so we can provide answers to the family as well as the wider public.
‘We would appeal to anyone who has any information about what has happened to contact us.
‘It is likely that the cordon will remain in place for some time as we continue to carry out our investigations.
‘This is an incredibly tragic incident.’
Firefighters pictured at the scene were a massive explosion broke out
Firefighters, police, and paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after the incident was reported
Emergency services were pictured scouring through piles of rubble and burned debris this morning and they continue to search the area to ensure no-one else was caught up in the blast.
The roof joining the attached properties had completely collapsed, while doors, windows and possessions lie strewn across the garden and onto the street outside.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said six flats had been ‘badly affected, two of which suffered the main brunt of the explosion’.
She said crews attended within five minutes and she confirmed that all the fires are now out.
Eight fire engines were at the incident, at its height, plus specialist units, including the urban search and rescue team.
