NEWCASTLE EXPLOSION CLAIMS LIFE OF SEVEN YEAR OLD BOY
A seven-year-old boy who died in an explosion in Newcastle has been named. As a memorial to the boy, his family has named the seven-year-old who sadly passed away Archie York.
Another body has also been discovered; it is thought to be that of a man in his 30s. "Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives," a Northumbria Police spokesperson stated. Early on October 16, emergency services were summoned to the Benwell and Elswick area of Newcastle following a blast.
Following the explosion, six more people—five adults and one child—were brought to the hospital; all but the child have since been released from treatment.
The only patient who was not released from the hospital was a man in his 30s who had a critical but stable condition, Northumbria Police confirmed to PA. They also stated that there had been no reports of missing persons related to the explosion.
Superintendent Darren Adams made the following statement while speaking at the scene yesterday: "I stand in front of you today with great sadness following the tragic death of a young child."
"This is an incredibly tragic outcome. I'm sure that everyone in Elswick, Benwell, and the surrounding area will want to join me in sending their sympathies and best wishes to friends and family. It's impossible to imagine the loss and suffering they must be through."
Family members of the seven-year-old have reportedly been paying homage to his memory on social media, according to the Metro. They state that Archie's family referred to him as "the most beautiful, funny, & caring little boy" in a social media post made by his aunt, adding that his "name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops."
Furthermore, they claim that a neighbour described the seven-year-old as a "lovely lad" who "everyone knew."
Drone footage of the damaged homes revealed that one had been nearly totally destroyed and that the explosion had also seriously damaged several nearby.
The explosion also caused several other people to be evacuated from their homes.