Emergency services in Charles Street, Blackpool after a gas explosion at a guest house.

Two people have been injured, one seriously, after a gas explosion ripped through a guest house burying them under rubble.

Firefighters had to sift through the debris to reach the man and woman trapped by the blast on Charles Street in Blackpool, shortly before 6pm on Saturday.

A witness to the explosion described how parts of the property just disappeared into the street.

Specialist rescue equipment was used to free the pair who were taken to hospital. One was reported by the ambulance service to have suffered major trauma injuries.

A number of people were also treated by paramedics at the scene.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) said six engines attended the scene, where crews found there had been a significant explosion.

A man and a woman had to freed from rubble by firefighters. He said: After speaking to local residents we knew there were two people inside. One of them was on the phone to our control room saying they were inside, and we could see another casualty.

Firefighters had to sift through the debris, obviously being careful – there was still most likely a gas leak and the property was insecure…They were physically trapped. One had to be lifted down from the first floor on the ladder on a longboard.

Tattoo artist Jason Slater, 42, was at corner of the street when the blast happened.

He told the Blackpool Gazette: I just saw the front of the building go completely out. Parts of the building just disappeared into the street and I went over to see what was going on.

I asked if anyone was in there – I yelled out and then I heard someone. The guy was saying: I’m still here. I’m still here.

LFRS later gave the all clear tweeting: Firefighters left the scene of the explosion at 2am this morning after a scent dog completed a search of the property. Nothing was detected.

Gas engineers are investigating the cause of the explosion.

Charles Street and another nearby road were evacuated during the operation, but residents were later allowed to return.