Two pensioners were dragged to safety today after a gas blast destroyed their home.

The explosion was heard at least two miles away and debris was scattered yards down the road.

A fire brigade chief said the elderly women were lucky to be alive. Both were taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary. One of the victims was later taken to Pinderfields Hospital suffering from sever burns, and was later said to be in a critical condition

Three neighbours have been hailed heroes after they heard the blast and ran in to rescue the women.

The explosion happened at 6.45am today at the house, which is split into two flats, in Bronte Old Road, Thornton, Bradford.

Neighbours Adrian Woodward, Joseph Berry and Billy Brennan heard the blast and rushed to help.

Mr Woodward, 27, said: "I was just getting out of bed and heard this almighty bang. It was like a bomb going off.

"We rushed round to the house. One lady was downstairs and looked very shocked. We ran upstairs to get the other woman, who was trapped by a door which had fallen on her. I thought she was dead.

"We carried her out. She was covered in debris, all her legs were burnt."

Police cordoned off the road and an investigation was immediately launched by Transco and the fire brigade.

A structural engineer from Bradford Council was also called to examine the property.

Mr Berry, 46, said: "I thought she was dead - she was just bent over backwards. Her skin was hanging off her fingers and her hair was singed."

Another neighbour, 29-year-old Michelle Frost, said: "I can't believe how that old lady has got out of there alive. Looking at the damage, it must be a miracle how the two ladies have survived. They are both lovely people."

Initial investigations have revealed the blast could have been started by a gas cooker which had been left on.

Leading firefighter Steve Farley of Bradford Fire Station said: "It was a scene of complete devastation, everything had been blown into the road including the roof and the curtains. The whole place and next door was a wreck."

Councillor Clive Richardson (Con, Thornton), who lives 60 yards away, said he heard the blast as he was getting up.

"There was this almighty explosion. It was a frightening sight, there's not a tile on the roof. It was incredible that the house was still standing up."

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