A MAN is still in a critical condition in a specialist burns unit in Swansea, a week after an explosion tore through his flat in the centre of Chippenham.

More than 40 firefighters, dozens of paramedics, police and crisis volunteers raced to the scene following the explosion on the third floor of the Market Place flat, above The Vapour Hut store, at 6.36pm last Wednesday.

Residents, workers and diners from surrounding restaurants were evacuated while paramedics treated the man, who suffered serious facial burns, firefighters tackled a small blaze in the building and attempted to identify the cause of the explosion, which had blown rubble and glass into the alleyway section of The Shambles below.

This week Wiltshire Police said it was believed the cause of the explosion was linked to the gas supply in the building.

The injured man has not been named by police, but has been identified locally as a 19-year-old Morrisons worker.

He was first rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol before being transferred to the specialist burns unit at Morriston Hospital, Swansea.

No one else was injured in the blast, although two people from a neighbouring flat who were evacuated were provided with alternative accommodation for the night.

As police and firefighters worked to establish the cause of the blast, Duty Superintendent Phil Staynings said: “We are currently at the very early stages of the investigation.

"We are working with the fire and rescue service and Wiltshire Council to secure the property, which has sustained significant structural damage.

"At this stage, we are unable to determine the cause of the explosion.

“We would like to thank local businesses who have provided refreshments, shelter and accommodation during the evening as well as volunteers from the British Red Cross who are supporting anyone affected.”

Police also used their new drone unit for the first time, to help survey the damage and identify the location of a small fire in the building. Five fire engines from Chippenham, Corsham, Calne and Malmesbury, supported by an incident command vehicle from Devizes, the heavy rescue unit from Trowbridge and an aerial appliance from Bath, responded to the initial call.

The day after the blast the Market Place was cordoned off between the Blue Cross shop to St Mary’s Street. Fencing was put around the alleyway while the structure of the building was made safe.

This week the cordon was removed but it is understood that people living in the adjoining flats have still not been allowed back into their homes and two residents were put up in The Bear Home by the council following the explosion according to relief landlord Michelle Lowkowicz. 

She said: "The Red Cross volunteers brought the evacuees into the pub until they were allowed back in. 

"The council put two of the blokes evacuated up here and one of them is still here as his flat was badly damaged.

"We did what we needed to do. Making teas and coffees isn't hard and we tried to help in whatever way we could."