TWO people are now known to have died in an explosion and building collapse in King Street, Southall yesterday morning (21).

Station Commander Paul Morgan, of the London Fire Brigade, said: “Our crews have searched the property using specialist equipment, including the use of a USAR dogs. We can confirm that, sadly, two people have died at the scene.

“It has been a painstaking and protracted incident with firefighters working systematically to stabilise the building and search for people involved."

Operations were suspended last night, but work is continuing to ensure the building is structurally sound.

This is necessary before searchers are able to fully determine whether there may be further casualties.

An early assessment suspected the cause to be a gas explosion. 

Road closures remain in place and some nearby residents have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Cordons have also been extended.

Soon after arriving yesterday morning, firefighters rescued four adults and one child from the rear of the property, using a ladder. A further 14 adults and two children self-evacuated from surrounding properties.”