A SECOND person has died in a house explosion – with family the family of a seven-year-old boy also killed in the blaze paying tribute to the “beautiful and caring” youngster.
Archie York, seven, died after the blast ripped through a home in Newcastle in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Archie York was killed in a house explosion
PAArchie York was killed in an explosion at a home in Newcastle[/caption]
NCJMediaFloral tributes have been left at the scene[/caption]
PAThe explosion was reportedly sparked by a faulty boiler[/caption]
A body believed to be that of the man in his 30s was also found in the rubble.
Six other people were taken to hospital following the horror just after 1am.
One of them, a man in his thirties, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Archie’s aunt Abbie York told The Sun: “He called me Auntie Abba. He was the most amazing seven-year-old boy.
“He had a heart of pure gold. He was funny, clever and so loving and caring.”
Posting on Facebook, Abbie added: “Archie’s life was so tragically snatched from him in the early hours of the morning in the explosion in Benwell.
“My family are all so truly devastated and heartbroken beyond words by this and we would respect privacy at this time.
“Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, and caring little boy.
“His name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little man, you didn’t deserve this.”
A resident at the scene has also named him, and paid tribute, describing him as a “lovely lad”.
A huge emergency response was launched to treat the injured as six other casualties were taken to hospital from Violet Close in Benwell.
Tragically, despite their efforts, Archie, who lived in an upstairs property, died at the scene.
Supt Darren Adams said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives.
“Specialist officers are supporting their loved ones and we would urge everyone to respect their privacy at this time.”
Two bouquets of flowers have now been left at the scene by well-wishers.
A neighbour said: “I was in bed at the time but I was straight out when I heard the bang.
“People were shouting that there were kids still inside and the house was on fire.”
The tenant has since been moved into a hotel but has no access to his belongings which are still inside his property.
Paying tribute to Archie, he said: “Everybody knew him. He was a lovely lad. The family are in bits.
“Archie was always with his dad and he was playing outside a lot. You would see him with his two dogs.
“He went to a school just up the road from here. My kids are having nightmares about what happened.”
The man says neighbouring residents are being housed elsewhere while investigations are carried out.
He said: “We’re trying to find out what is going on but the police have said they don’t even know what’s happening.
“The investigation is still going on and it could be a while. I want to know if our houses are going to be safe moving forward.
“People are scared in case it happens again it might take out the whole block.
“A roof caved in two doors down from me in the past. Now this has happened and it’s so sad.”
Newcastle City Council have been contacted for comment.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
