A SHOP worker has described how “the building shook and it sounded like thunder” when a gas explosion went off at a flat in Chippenham last night.

Jordan Johnston, 18, was working in Betfred at the time of the explosion in a flat above a shop in Market Place, Chippenham.

Fire services evacuated the area after being called at 6.36pm to reports of an explosion at a home above the The Vapour Hut store and personnel from police and ambulance services also attended.

He said: “It was really loud, the building shook and it sounded like thunder. The fire crews were here really quickly and they evacuated everyone across the road.

“We stayed there for about ten minutes before being told to go home by police.

“This morning I thought Betfred would still be closed because it was so close to the explosion, I didn’t know what to expect.

“The gas people checked out our shop and went in there first to make sure it was safe for us to work.

“Yesterday was manic.”

Confirming that the flat involved in the explosion was above The Vapour Hut shop next door to the betting store, Mr Johnston praised the response from emergency while he was back at work this morning.

This morning police remained at the scene and the alley section of The Shambles, where most debris had fallen, was cordoned off.

One man was taken to Southmead Hospital, Bristol, with severe burns and has since been transferred to a specialist burns hospital in Swansea.

A team of Red Cross volunteers were called out by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and arrived at the scene at approximately 8pm. Five volunteers and a staff member handed out food, warm drinks and hygiene packs to those affected by the incident.

Jo Riches, emergency response officer at the Red Cross, said: “Our team spent a number of hours helping residents who had to leave their property at short notice.

"We checked if anyone needed replacement medication and also worked with the local authority to sort out alternative accommodation for those unable to return to their homes.

"Our role is to provide emotional support and reassurance and also help keep everyone updated with the latest information.”

Wiltshire Piolice 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.

“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.”