Gas supplies to around 600 properties are expected to be shut down following a huge gas explosion which left two injured in Whitstable last night.

Emergency services were called to Estuary View Business Park off Old Thanet Way at around 10pm after a ruptured gas main ignited.

Firefighters worked throughout the night until around 3am to bring the inferno under control. The area remains sealed off today with a cordon from the Thanet Way slip-road next to the Seasalter exit through to the Long Reach roundabout

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SGN, which had been carrying out engineering work on behalf of owners GTC Pipelines, today said the gas ignited while workers were trying to repair a damaged main.

Supplies were isolated to make the situation safe and, as a result, approximately 430 properties have so far been affected, but more are expected as the day progresses.

VIDEO: Footage shows the aftermath of last night's explosion.

An SGN spokesman said: "Our teams have been working throughout the night to assess the damage and are preparing to repair the gas main. Meanwhile for safety reasons, engineers have also been visiting affected properties to turn off gas supplies at the meter. We've currently turned off supplies to around 430 properties and will continue to visit the remaining properties this morning."

Once gas is available again, SGN engineers will call at properties to carry out safety checks and switch supplies back on.

SGN added: "At this time it is difficult to estimate exactly how long it will take to restore gas supplies but we will provide updates as our work progresses. If you are elderly, disabled, chronically sick or have young children, we have portable electric appliances available for cooking and heating. These can be obtained by calling our 24-hour Customer Service team on 0800 912 1717."

The company said it is too early to know what caused the fire but senior engineers were onsite as the investigation gets underway and it was doing all it could to restore supplies as quickly as possible.

One worker suffered burns to his face and legs and was taken to hospital while the other was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Chris Skinner, of Emelina Way in Seasalter, came to look at the wreckage this morning.

He said: "I was watching the football and with just a couple of minutes to go there was a rumbling noise.

"First of all I thought it was something on the television, we turned the television down and realised it was still going on.

"I thought about the smell of gas which had been here all afternoon, thought I bet it is that and then I looked out of the window. I could see the flames flickering in the distance just before 10am.

"The smell of gas has gone down a little bit, the smell isn't as strong as it was yesterday.

"When I went to bed it still seemed to be burning, must have taken quite a few hours to put out."

Traffic continues to be diverted via the A299 Thanet Way to Herne Bay and returning along the A2990 old Thanet Way.

The slip-road is expected to remain closed until around 8pm, but there will be temporary traffic lights allowing access around the works from the Borstal Hill end of the A2990.