Vienna 'gas explosion': 12 injured - two seriously - after blast blows hole in building

Austrian police had earlier said four people were seriously injured but later lowered the number to two.

The aftermath of a suspected gas explosion in Vienna. Pic: Erich Ulrich/via Reuters
Image: The aftermath of a suspected gas explosion in Vienna. Pic: Erich Ulrich/via Reuters
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Two people have been seriously injured after a suspected gas explosion blew a big hole in a building in Vienna, Austria.

10 others were also hurt in the incident, which happened at about 4.30pm local time (3.30pm BST).

Ambulances at the scene in Vienna. Pic: Erich Ulrich/via Reuters
Image: Ambulances at the scene in Vienna. Pic: Erich Ulrich/via Reuters
Two people were seriously injured after a suspected gas explosion. Pic: Erich Ulrich/via Reuters
Image: Two people were seriously injured after a suspected gas explosion. Pic: Erich Ulrich/via Reuters

Officers in Vienna said affected residential buildings were evacuated.

Footage posted on social media showed a hole three or four floors high in the front of the building and streets can be seen covered in dust and debris.

"[It's] as if a bomb flew in and tore a huge hole in the facade," a spokesman for the fire brigade said.

Several men could be seen carrying someone away from the blast site - and rescuers searched for victims in the debris.

Police had earlier said four people were seriously injured but later lowered the number to two.