7-Year-Old Boy and Man Die in ‘Devastating’ House Explosion, 6 Others Hospitalized

Mar. 15, 2025

A 7-year-old boy and a man have died following a house explosion in the U.K. city of Newcastle.

The incident on Violet Close, Benwell took place in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, Oct. 16, Northumbria Police confirmed in anews releasethe same day.

The little boy has since been identified as Archie York, according to theBBC,The GuardianandSky News. The BBC stated the blast happened at around 12:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday and has destroyed six apartments.

Archie York.gofundme

gofundme

Police also said in afurther poston X on Oct. 17 that, “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,” the post added.

A photo of the scene in Newcastle, U.K. following the house explosion.Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty

Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty

“A man – in his 30s – who remains in hospital is described as being in a critical but stable condition,” police alsostated on Xthe same day, adding, “We can also confirm that we do not have any reports of missing people related to the incident.”

“We would like to thank the community for their continued support and cooperation at this incredibly tragic time,” the Oct. 17 X posts from Northumbria Policeconcluded.

A mechanical digger is pictured outside the house where an explosion took place in Newcastle, U.K.SCOTT HEPPELL/AFP via Getty

SCOTT HEPPELL/AFP via Getty

In the Oct. 16 news release, Superintendent Darren Adams said, “This is a truly devastating incident.”

“The loss and pain they are suffering is unimaginable,” he added after initially confirming just the little boy’s death.

“In the coming hours and days, we will continue to piece together what has happened,” Adams also said, per the release.

In a secondreleaseshared on Oct. 17, which also confirmed the discovery of a second body after the incident, Adams called the investigation “complex and time consuming, not least due to the level of damage which has been caused.”

Archie’s aunt, Abbie York, said the 7-year-old was a “loving boy, with a cheeky little grin on his face all of the time,” per the BBC.

Superintendent Darren Adams of Northumbria Police.Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

The BBC added that York had left a soft toy outside the home, with the note, “This life is so cruel and unfair… your life was snatched away so viciously… our hearts are broken and can never be repaired.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “It’s been a terribly sad situation for everyone affected but heartwarming how the people of the West End have come together showing incredible community strength,” the BBC reported.

“I hope everyone affected takes great comfort in the outpouring of support from communities near and far, with well wishes and donations,” Dungworth added, per the outlet.

source: people.com