SHOCKING footage shows the moment a terraced house was blown to bits in a huge explosion with 60 firefighters battling the blaze.
The blast blew off the roof and sent glass and bricks flying across Ley Street in Ilford, east London, as a bus and cars were driving down.
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Firefighters were seen spraying water onto its roof even two hours after the alarm was first raised at 4.09pm.
By then, flames could still be seen rising as smoke billowed out.
In footage posted online, one pedestrian was seen running to avoid the spray of debris from shattered windows.
The entire first floor and loft conversion of the property were engulfed in flames at its height.
In total, eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responded to the fire, which was under control by 6.23pm.
Pictures from the scene showed a bus stranded on the street while firefighters tackled the blaze.
Fire crews will remain on the scene throughout the evening with the cause of the explosion under investigation.
A 32-metre ladder was used to fight the fire from above while a drone was deployed to give firefighters an aerial view of the house.
Residents are continuing to be told to avoid the area with the road being closed while the incident is being investigated.
Station Commander Darren McTernan said: “Firefighters worked hard to bring this fire under control. Crews will remain on scene throughout the evening.
“Ley Street remains closed between Eastern Avenue and Vicarage Road, impacting traffic in the surrounding area, so please continue to avoid the area if you can.
“One of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as a water tower to help fight the fire from above.
“The Brigade’s drone team were also deployed to the incident, offering the Incident Commander an aerial view of the scene.”
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at 4.08pm on December 10 to reports of a fire at a residential property in Ley Street, Ilford.
“We have attended alongside the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.
“We remain at the scene and cordons are in place.”