Two people killed in house fire after ‘explosion in garden’

Two people have been killed in a house fire following reports of an explosion in the garden.

Emergency services were called to the property in Heol Fawr, Nelson, Caerphilly, south Wales, at 6.10pm on Friday.

Gwent Police confirmed that two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and their family have been informed.

The road, close to the centre of the village of Nelson, was closed and diversions were in place, with motorists advised to travel via alternative routes.

Local residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed.

Forensic teams were at the two-storey property on Saturday, with the road remaining cordoned off around the house.

Pictures from the scene showed the home inside the cordon suffered smoke damage, with its windows smashed.

Neighbours described seeing the home on fire, with an extensive response from emergency services on Friday.

The Tylers Arms pub, which is next door to the site of the blaze, posted on social media to say it was unable to open while police carry out their investigation.

In a statement issued on Friday evening, Gwent Police said: “Officers and firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene of a fire at a property in Heol Fawr, Nelson.

“This follows reports of an explosion at around 6.10pm in the garden of the property.

“Two people have sadly been pronounced dead at the scene and their family has been informed.

“The incident is ongoing and the road is currently closed.

“Diversions are in place to ensure your safety. Please find an alternative route for your journey.

“If you live locally, please ensure all doors and windows are closed.”