A seven-year-old boy who tragically died in an explosion in Newcastle has been named as Archie York. His family paid tribute to him, calling him “the most beautiful, funny, and caring little boy,” whose name “deserves to be shouted from the rooftops.” A second victim, believed to be a man in his 30s, was also found after the blast.

The explosion occurred in the Benwell and Elswick area of Newcastle on the morning of October 16. Emergency services responded promptly, and six people were taken to the hospital—five adults and one child. All but one, a man in his 30s who remains in critical but stable condition, have since been discharged.

Northumbria Police expressed their condolences, with Superintendent Darren Adams describing the incident as “truly devastating.” He urged the community to respect the grieving families’ privacy. Drone footage of the scene showed severe damage to homes, with one property nearly destroyed. Several other residents were evacuated as a precaution.

Tributes have poured in from neighbors, with one describing Archie as a “lovely lad” known by all.