Redwood Grove Explosion: A new support centre is established in Bedford, town centre

To assist those who were displaced by the explosion at their block of flats, a new information centre was established.

Redwood Grove Explosion: A new support centre is established in Bedford, town centre

To assist those who were displaced by the explosion at their block of flats, a new information centre was established.

The Harpur Suite in Bedford will provide assistance to those who were affected by Redwood Grove's explosion, which resulted in one death.

On Tuesday night, the emergency assistance center at John Bunyan Centre was shut down.

Bedford Borough Council stated that its officers would continue supporting residents at the new facility.

The blast destroyed more than 20 flats on the block's three-storey blocks and also caused a significant amount of damage to the roof.

Three people were taken into hospital. One was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, with severe leg injuries. Another was airlifted there by a firefighter who inhaled smoke.

A centre for emergency assistance was set up immediately to assist those homeless. The council stated that all who attended were given food, drink, and clothing thanks to many donations.

It stated that it understood that most people prefer to stay with their family or friends rather than be in emergency accommodation. However, its housing officers at new centre will be able to arrange accommodation for those who require.

Dave Hodgson (Liberal Democrat mayor of Bedford), who is close to the flats, was a ward-councillor for the area before he was elected mayor. He said that the town had "stepped in" to help.

He said, "Residents again showed their extraordinary generosity with a variety of donations and collection... but we have more then enough now and can't take any more,"

"Thank you to all who have donated or called to offer support and assistance."

According to the authority, anyone who has collected food and other items can donate them locally.

Adrian Mazurkiewicz and his partner live on the top floor of a block that is three stories above the blast site. They said they were staying in a hotel for two weeks to "just arrange our lives".

He said that there was no long-term or mid-term solution. "All of our belongings are either still in the flat, or have been destroyed by the fire."

He said that the situation was "still unbelievable".

He said, "Leaving that flat, I wouldn't have thought that I won't be able to return to it."

These things are often in the newspapers. But you don't think this will happen to you. You'll never imagine being affected by something as dramatic.

"We are coming to terms [with the fact] that we won't be able to survive there, but I keep saying to everyone at this point that I'm fortunate to have escaped alive and that whatever was lost can still be rebuilt or rebought.

Dezso Balazs and Cristina Balazs were evacuated with their son from a nearby block and are now staying with friends.

Ms Balazs stated that "the images are still coming up when you close your eyes. It does affect you."

Parents also stated that they don't know the impact of the situation on their child.

We are concerned because he is only three years old, and he constantly asks me "mum, is there fire there? Can we go back?" '.

"We tried to explain to [him] how there is no fire, but they must do some checks.

"He doesn’t seem upset because it’s a child and he doesn’t realize what the real problem is."

Bedfordshire Police said that it could take weeks to determine what caused the explosion, as it might take some time before the "extremely complicated and dangerous" scene is safe enough for search.

The report stated that residents could have their Redwood Grove block reopened by the week's end.

Ch. Supt John Murphy thanked residents "patience" and their support.

He posted a statement on social media saying: "It is important that we conduct an exhaustive and diligent investigation to fully understand the circumstances that have led at least one person tragically losing their life."

BBC News: East of England is available on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk