5 September 2010 Last updated at 09:45 ET

Debris cleared from Leicester blast temple

Worshippers escaped moments before the blast

Work is continuing to clear debris from a Hare Krishna temple in Leicester after a gas explosion.

About 30 people evacuated the temple in Thoresby Street just before the blast at 1430 BST on Friday. Windows were blown out and doors inside damaged.

At the weekend, demolition teams were busy clearing what was once the outer section of the temple.

The garage of an adjoining house was destroyed and residents had to leave while engineers checked the building.

'Sadness'

A religious celebration had been taking place just before the explosion.

Fire crews said one man noticed a leaking valve on a gas cylinder used for cooking and managed to get everybody out with moments to spare.

Some people suffered minor injuries and shock, but nobody was seriously hurt.

One female devotee from the centre said: "I think now we're realising that actually we're all right, we know we're OK.

"Sadness is kicking in, this is our home - this is our home more important to us than where we sleep and cook or whatever. This is our home, this is Krishna's home."