“The incident, believed to be a gas explosion, has completely destroyed one property and significantly damaged 3 adjoining properties,” West Midlands Fire Service said in a statement.

“One man was rescued prior to the arrival of the fire service and was taken into the care of West Midlands Ambulance, and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Four other people have been treated at the scene for minor injuries,” the agency noted.

The agency also said that “further investigations by our Fire Investigation teams and other agencies will commence during daylight hours.”

Footage on social media showed flames, damage and debris from a terraced red brick house. (ILKHA)