Boy, 7, and Man Dead in ‘Devastating’ House Explosion, 6 Others Hospitalized

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 a news release the same day.

In the release, authorities said a 7-year-old boy had “tragically died,” as a result of the incident, before confirming on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday, Oct. 17 that a man believed to be in his 30s had also been found in the debris by emergency crews.

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

Police also said in a further post on 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.

Authorities also confirmed in another Oct. 17 post on X that six people — five adults and a child — had been “taken to hospital with varying degrees of injuries,” but all but one had since been discharged.

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

Authorities confirmed an investigation into the explosion is ongoing.

“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 Police concluded.

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 second release shared 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.

York said Archie’s parents and two-month-old brother had received treatment in hospital but had since been released and were being taken care of by relatives, the outlet reported.

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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.”

The outlet stated the community had been helping those affected, including donating items such as baby clothes.

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.

Northumbia Police didn’t have any further comments to add when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.