Explosion in centre of Shrewsbury

A pantomime star and two women were today named as three of the people injured in a massive explosion which caused a building to collapse in Shrewsbury town centre.

Her friend Sarah Pearse, also 19, was injured in the explosion and is also being treated at Selly Oak. Her condition is critical.

• Were you there? Tell us your stories in the comment box below, ring our newsdesk on 01952 241425 or 01952 241421 and send your pictures or mobile phone videos to us here.

• Pictures - click here

• Video - click here

• Video — Town minutes after explosion

• Eyewitness reports - click here

• 'I thought it was a bomb' - click here

• Readers' pictures of the explosion aftermath - click here

• Bulletin video - click here

• Police press conference video

• Blast blog - click here

• Shrewsbury transport changes — click here

Also among the injured was Kiley McDonnell, who was starring in the Peter Pan pantomime at Theatre Severn as the character Jovial Jake.

It is believed Mr McDonnell was in the car park of the Shrewsbury Hotel when he was caught in the blast. Another of those injured is Scott Godbold.

Mr Turner said his daughter had been placed in an induced coma because of her injuries and had suffered superficial burns to her face with severe burns to her arms and hands.

Mr Turner, 52, of Moston Road, said: "It's a nightmare. It's really knocked me for six but they are all so lucky."

A relative confirmed that Mr Godbold was also in hospital. It is thought he had been taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital before being transferred to Selly Oak Hospital, where he is critical but stable.

George Candler, assistant director of culture and leisure at Shropshire Council, today confirmed Mr McDonnell had been taken to hospital.

He said: "We are aware that a member of the production company for Peter Pan has been involved and clearly our thoughts go out to him and his family."

Roads in Shrewsbury town centre remained closed and revised bus and park and ride services were operating.

Theatre Severn, which had some minor damage caused by the explosion, was today closed for routine maintenance but the Quarry Fitness and Swimming Centre opened as normal. The council said phone lines were not working at the centre or the Guildhall, but engineers were working on them.

Anthony Archambault, 32, was in the Shrewsbury Hotel with his girlfriend Helen Palin when the blast happened.

He said: "We heard this really loud rumbling sound, which seemed to ripple through the building. My initial thoughts were that it was an earthquake of some sort, but the rumbling seemed to carry on and on, it seemed like minutes but in reality probably only seconds had passed.

"All of a sudden there was a tremendous smashing sound, everyone screamed out and there were shouts from the remaining customers."

"We didn't know if the building was going to collapse onto us, or if we should stay or exit the building, it was sheer immediate panic.

"I noticed one of the front windows was completely smashed, I heard one of the bar staff say: 'Call an ambulance', and someone shouted out, my heart immediately sank, I rushed forward to see if I could see anyone who needed assistance, but the bar staff ushered us all back towards the fire exit and out of the building.

"I tried to remain calm, and we exited the Shrewsbury Hotel into the back alley. There was glass and debris everywhere, I was aware my legs were trembling.

"As we approached the bottom of Mardol, there was a large group of people all looking in shock and disbelief. A woman was on the top floor of a Mardol shop crying, behind a completely smashed pane of glass.

"It felt like a surreal action movie was unfolding right before my eyes."