18 November 2023 , 21:18
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Investigations are still under way to confirm the cause of an explosion at a house in Derbyshire which has now claimed a man's life, police have said.
Nigel Barrow, 78, suffered life-threatening injuries in the blast on Ollersett Avenue in New Mills on Tuesday. He was taken by air ambulance to hospital for treatment, but died on Friday.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said its crews were called just after 8am on that day to reports of the explosion and 14 nearby properties had to be evacuated. A rest centre was set up at a nearby leisure centre for those who needed to leave their homes and the scene was made safe by Wednesday morning.
His family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. A Derbyshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “An investigation is ongoing into the cause of the explosion. However, due to the damage caused to the property, this has yet to be completed. A further review of the scene will take place early next week.”
An investigation is ongoing into the cause of the explosion (Lee McLean / SWNS)At the time of the explosion earlier this week eyewitnesses described seeing flames rising from the roof of the house after feeling the ground shake. One person told Manchester Evening News: "I was in my house when I felt the street shake. I don’t even know what happened - it just sort of happened.” Another local commented: "I went and looked out my bedroom window and could see loads of smoke coming from the house."
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A third person told DerbyshireLive: "That explains the awful bang this morning, it shook our road. I hope everyone is ok. Absolute respect for the extremely quick response of the emergency services.”
A total of 39 people were evacuated as a precaution, with some having to stay in alternative accommodation overnight. The cause of the explosion is still being investigated.
A dozen homes were evacuated (Lee McLean / SWNS)
A further review of the scene will take place early next week (Lee McLean / SWNS)A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) said at the time: "Twelve properties in the surrounding area have been evacuated. Those who have been evacuated from their properties are asked to attend New Mills Leisure Centre to register that they have been evacuated.
"Other local residents are asked to keep their windows and doors closed while emergency services deal with the incident. The air ambulance is on the scene." Photographs from the scene showed multiple fire engines pulled up along a residential street.