London- At least a dozen people sustained injuries in a suspected gas explosion that rocked 'Hyatt Regency-The Churchill' hotel here.
According to sources, former president of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari is also staying at the Regency; however, he was not in the building by the time of the accident.
“We can confirm that Co-chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is safe and sound; however there was no knowing of his current whereabouts. He could also not be reached by phone,” sources told a local channel. The sources added that Asif Ali Zardari was not available to comment to anyone. Reportedly six of injured were sent to hospital, while the rest were allowed to go after first aid. Police say the explosion took place in the kitchen area of the hotel; however, other reports suggest it may have struck in the basement of the building.
“There was a gas explosion in the kitchen area of the hotel and we believe five people were injured. They are being treated by London Ambulance crews,” a London police spokesman said. Police and fire brigades have been deployed to the scene. The area around the hotel has been closed off with police reportedly treating it as a crime scene.