Construction is finally underway to rebuild a row of houses destroyed in a harrowing gas explosion.

One private home collapsed and three council-owned properties were left irreparably damaged by the blast in Willesborough, Ashford, three years ago.

The eruption hit residents at 13 to 19 Mill View shortly before 8am on May 4, 2021.

Shaken residents - many still wearing their pyjamas - emerged from their homes to see flames and smoke pouring from the buildings.

Bricks and mortar were also thrown into the road, destroying two cars and reaching as far as the opposite pavement.

Neighbouring properties and houses in the immediate surrounding area were then evacuated by emergency services, with residents taken to an emergency relief centre quickly set up just 300 metres away in St Mary the Virgin Church.

Following the incident, five victims were taken to the William Harvey Hospital and two to London with what would later be described as "life-changing" injuries.

All survived, however the explosion left three homes structurally damaged beyond saving while the other was completely destroyed.

Subsequent investigations determined the explosion had been caused by a leak in a portable gas heater at number 15, which bore the worst of the shockwave and ensuing fire.

It was a full eight hours before residents were allowed back into their homes, with those closest to the epicentre of the blast kept away overnight.

Several months later though, demolition work was carried out and black hoardings were erected around the empty Mill View site.

Those affected were later rehomed having been provided with alternative accommodation nearby.

Meanwhile, plans for four new replacement homes were passed unanimously at an Ashford Borough Council (ABC) planning committee meeting in August 2023.

Work has now begun on the rebuild and will see contractor Jenner begin construction of two three-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom homes.

ABC says the new properties will be built to a high standard, with a focus on energy efficiency such as solar panels on roofs.

Measures have also been included to help ‘future-proof’ the homes.

This includes straight stairs to allow a stair-lift to be installed, if required, and square-shaped bathrooms so they could easily be converted into a wet room.

Work is expected to be completed by August 2025.

ABC leader Cllr Noel Ovenden (Ash Ind) says he is happy the rebuild has got underway.

The portfolio holder for housing and homelessness said: “I'm passionate about providing genuinely affordable quality housing for everyone.

"So I'm thrilled our housing team is working on a project to replace the homes that were sadly destroyed by fire.

“These new homes will be built to a higher standard, with green features and future-proof designs which can adapt to changing needs.”