THE owners of a house which was destroyed following a gas explosion are in a stable condition.

David and Hela Davies were taken to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford after suffering serious burns.

The explosion took place in Cloes Lane shortly before 8.30am on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust said: “They are currently in the St Andrew’s burns centre.

“Their condition is described as stable.”

Eight other people were taken to Colchester Hospital following the blast.

A spokesman for Colchester Hospital said: “Only one of the eight casualties brought here following the gas explosion spent the night here – the rest were discharged.

“The remaining casualty is a man who is in a very comfortable condition and who is expected to be discharged later today.”