UK

Suspected gas explosion at London hotel injures 14

Extensive damage caused to basement of Churchill Hyatt Regency hotel

Debris and broken windows are seen near the Churchill Hyatt Regency hotel after what appeared to have been a gas explosion hit the hotel in London in the early hours of this morning. Photograph: EPA
Debris and broken windows are seen near the Churchill Hyatt Regency hotel after what appeared to have been a gas explosion hit the hotel in London in the early hours of this morning. Photograph: EPA
Sat Nov 22 2014 - 09:20

Around 500 guests were evacuated from a top hotel after a gas explosion in the basement caused part of the building to collapse, injuring 14 people last night.

The Churchill Hyatt Regency hotel in Portman Square, central London, was evacuated following the explosion at around 11.40pm and a number of people were being treated by paramedics.

Around 80 firefighters were on the scene at the height of the incident, including appliances with specialist equipment to deal with collapsed buildings. The full extent of the damage is not known at this stage and all people were accounted for, a spokesman for London Fire Brigade said.

The Churchill Hyatt Regency hotel in Portman Square, central London. Up to 500 guests had to leave the hotel last night after a gas explosion.
The Churchill Hyatt Regency hotel in Portman Square, central London. Up to 500 guests had to leave the hotel last night after a gas explosion.
The side of the Churchill Hyatt Regency hotel in Portman Square, central London where a three meter hole can be seen in the wall. Photograph: BBCLondon949 via Twitter
The side of the Churchill Hyatt Regency hotel in Portman Square, central London where a three meter hole can be seen in the wall. Photograph: BBCLondon949 via Twitter

London Ambulance Service said 14 people were injured, including two men with leg wounds who were taken to nearby St Mary’s Hospital.

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A further three people needed hospital treatment, while nine others were checked over at the scene and given the all-clear.

A spokesman for the hotel told ITV no guests were harmed and could be relocated until the damage was assessed.

It said: “Hyatt Regency Churchill in London experienced a gas explosion in the basement early this morning.

“Twelve Hyatt associates were treated for injuries.

“No guests were injured, and all guests were evacuated to nearby hotels. Hyatt’s top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests and associates, and we are currently working to provide guests with accommodations while we evaluate whether the hotel suffered any significant damage.”

Police officers were also called to the scene and a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “At about 11.40pm we were called to a suspected gas explosion at Portman Square. Officers are in attendance alongside the fire brigade and ambulance service. A small number of injured parties are being treated .”

London Fire Brigade later tweeted there had been “extensive damage caused to the basement”.

The five-star hotel, in the Marylebone area has 434 guest rooms.

A spokesman for London Fire Brigade added 500 people were forced out on to the street as a result of the explosion, thought to have been caused by a gas leak and an internal wall or ceiling may have collapsed.

Structural engineers have been called to assess the damage in the basement area.