Woman killed in care home explosion

A woman was killed and three others seriously injured after an explosion and fire ripped through an east London care home today.

Scotland Yard reported a further 17 walking wounded, including six officers, who suffered smoke inhalation following the blast at 6.30am.

The seriously injured, who are all pensioners, were taken to the Royal London Hospital.

Firefighters said the explosion, at John Tucker House, Mellish St, Millwall, blew out the windows in a ground floor room and then the blaze broke out. It is believed to have been caused by an oxygen cylinder which had been leaking or left on.

One officer said: "It's a bit like the Apollo spaceship that blew up. Pure oxygen was leaking into the air and then when a match was lit or the gas turned on, it caused the explosion."

Scotland Yard said there could have been more injuries if a patrol car and officers had not been nearby to help pensioners to safety.

A Fire Service spokesman said today: "There was a large explosion which blew all the windows out and unfortunately an elderly woman was in the living room at the time and she could not be saved. The cause is being investigated but we do not think it is suspicious."