One person has been taken to hospital following a gas explosion on a houseboat.

The emergency services were called to the Grand Union Canal in Hunton Bridge at around 10.30am.

Bridge Road and the canal path was shut off by police and the fire service and a cordon was put in place.

Hertfordshire County Council said neighbouring properties were evacuated.#

Watford Observer:

A canal boat was badly damaged. Credit: Jaffer Bhimji

The council said: “Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to a report of a gas explosion on a houseboat in Hunton Bridge at 10:30 this morning (October 19).

“On arrival crews from Garston and Watford established a 50m cordon, evacuated neighbouring properties, searched the canal bank to ensure there were no further casualties and removed two cylinders from the canal boat.

“One person was taken to hospital by the East of England Ambulance Service.”

Watford Observer:

Firefighters attended along with the police and paramedics. Credit: Jaffer Bhimji

Watford Observer:

The damaged boat. Credit: Jaffer Bhimji

Jaffer Bhimji lives very close to the canal.

He said: “This morning our house, which is facing the canal bank, shook with the sound of an explosion.

"I went to investigate near Bridge Road which was closed in both directions and blocked by emergency services vehicles.

"Some men were taken by ambulance. Fortunately they were not hurt when the gas cylinder exploded but the boat is very badly damaged."

Watford Observer:

Credit: Jaffer Bhimji

Other residents in the Abbots Langley area also reported hearing a large bang.

Bridge Road has now reopened.