14 hurt in London hotel gas explosion

At least 14 people have been injured in what is suspected to be a gas explosion at a 5-star hotel in central London, prompting authorities to evacuate over 500 guests from the posh hotel and launch an investigation.

The Churchill Hyatt Regency London in Portman Square near Marble Arch was evacuated following the blast late last night. A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: ‘At about 11.40pm we were called to a suspected gas explosion at Portman Square. A small number of injured parties are being treated.’

London Fire Brigade said the explosion happened in the basement of the hotel, causing part of the building to collapse. A spokesperson said the explosion is thought to have been caused by a gas leak. Probe is on.