Firefighters are tackling a “major gas explosion” in Bedford which lead to a fire “engulfing” a block of 20 flats.
Two people have been taken to hospital – one with serious injuries.
Emergency services are warning people to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed.
Pictures from the scene showed a three-storey block of apartments on fire, and an adjacent building has been evacuated.
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently in attendance at a major gas explosion on Redwood Grove, Bedford.
“There are currently six appliances, two water carriers, an incident command unit at the scene. Please avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed.”
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A statement from Bedfordshire Police said: “Emergency services have responded to an explosion at Redwood Grove, Bedford this morning.
“This resulted in a significant fire at a three storey block of 20 flats, which has engulfed the whole building and caused a large portion of the roof to collapse.
“There are two people who have been taken to hospital, one with serious injuries to Addenbrooke’s.
“Police, fire and the ambulance service all remain in attendance.”
Adam Fisher told the PA news agency: “A huge explosion [was] heard – everyone went to our work car park to see what was happening.
“Our building is adjacent to the apartment complex – immediately an inferno (was) visible, huge smoke cloud billowing, people screaming and people frantically calling for emergency services.”