Sunderland gas explosion: One man released from hospital

The two flats affected by the blast five weeks ago have now been demolished

A man seriously injured in a suspected gas explosion at flats in Sunderland has been released from hospital, five weeks on from the blast.

Another man also injured in the explosion - in Whickham Street, Roker, on 15 February - remains in hospital in a stable condition after his condition initially deteriorated.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating the explosion.

The two flats both men were rescued from have since been demolished.

Residents from the remaining eight flats owned by housing association Gentoo were evacuated after the blast

The man still in hospital was in the flat where the explosion happened and was rescued from what remained of the loft.

The second man, who had been next door watching TV, was able to climb into the street from a downstairs window.

At the time of the blast, residents from the remaining eight flats owned by housing association Gentoo were evacuated.

Gentoo's chief executive Nigel Wilson said: "The remaining residents who lived in the properties adjacent to the property where the explosion took place, are now living in alternative accommodation provided by Gentoo.

"We are continuing to assess the structural damage to the adjoining properties and have not yet fully established the next steps, although we are working closely with our insurers to finalise a plan.

"In the meantime, the properties that remain have been made safe."

Northumbria Police said: "Inquiries are ongoing alongside the HSE and other relevant partners to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion."

Scaffolding now fills the gap where the two flats originally were