Assistance car explosion

A six-strong team of St John Ambulance volunteers and two ambulances were deployed to assist at the emergency evacuation centre at Vigo Village Hall following the explosion in the village on Friday 5 March 2010.

Steve Walker, who is in charge of operations for St John Ambulance Kent attended the incident and said: ‘The emergency services called to request our attendance at this incident and we were able to support in the evacuation of 40 nearby homes as a 'safety measure'.

‘In attendance until 10pm we provided support until all but eight residents had either returned home or had found accommodation with friends and family. The eight were found bed and breakfast accommodation.

‘St John Ambulance was not required to provide a first-aid role, as the injured were taken by air ambulance to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford. The incident highlights the key role we play in supporting the emergency services and residents across the county in their hour of need.’