THREE people have been taken to hospital following an explosion at a house in Illingworth.

Fire crews from a number of stations including Odsal, Cleckheaton and Fairweather Green were called to Green Lane at 7.38am today.

The explosion affected one building but six surrounding houses have been evacuated as a safety precaution.

The three people who live where the explosion took place have been treated and taken to hospital.

Shortly after 1pm, the service said the fire had been extinguished at the property and firefighters were making the area safe.

All people have been accounted for, confirmed West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue.

The fire crews are working with West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Calderdale Council and utility companies to deal with an explosion at a house.

A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed they attended an incident at a private address in the area this morning.

The incident was initially attended by crews from Fairweather Green, Halifax and Odsal with specialist units from Cleckheaton and Dewsbury.

A West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said: "Crews are dealing with any remaining pockets of fire which are being extinguished should they appear.

"Firefighters are likely to be on the scene for some time.

"Investigations are continuing into the cause of the explosion."

Many in the area posted on social media, reporting an extremely loud bang.
One wrote: "Never head such BANG it shook the promenade at Ogden."

Following the blast, neighbours began a fundraising effort on Facebook for those involved.
"We from the Illingworth community should all come together and support this family as much as we can ... let's get this community support going as soon as possible," wrote one member of the public.
Some offered to donate clothes and food to the family via local businesses and charities.