Family of girl, 4, killed in gas blast still homeless six months after tragedy
The family of a four-year-old girl killed in a gas explosion are still homeless six months after the tragedy.
Sahara Salman died after the explosion in south London, which saw the evacuation of hundreds of residents, on August 8 last year.
Merton Council still hasn’t found a “suitable property” for the victims of the disaster close to Thornton Heath.
The four-year-old’s mum and three siblings are still sleeping on the floor at a family member’s house a few doors down from their former home.
In a statement, Sahara’s mum, Sana Ahmad, said: “As a parent, it is a nightmare come true to know that my daughter lost her life in the very bed where she should have felt safe and secure.
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My last memory of her is kissing her good night, telling her how much I loved her, and promising to see her in the morning. Sahara was a shining star in our lives, and her absence is felt deeply, reports My London.
The aftermath of the explosion in Thornton Heath (UKNIP)“Despite this tragedy, we are still homeless and sleeping on the floor. My three children and I have lost everything, and it’s devastating to see them without their belongings and a place to call home.
"They miss their sister and are scared to go to school. We deserve support in this difficult time, but it feels like we’ve been left to fend for ourselves.”
The single mum claims the family were not warned that the remains of their old house was due to be torn down, which she said was hard for them to witness as they saw some of their possessions lost in the process.
Merton Council said it is “continuing its efforts” to find a suitable home for the family. But Ms Ahmad said the wait for a home has felt “like torture”.
The scene of a explosion in Galpin's Road in Thornton Heath, south London (PA)She added: “It’s unfair that we are being treated this way and left without proper support, while if the situation was reversed, social services would likely deem it unfit.
"It’s difficult to understand why the council is struggling to find a suitable home for us to live in after such a long time, and it feels like torture to be left to suffer like this.”
The mum’s legal representative, Faryal Hussain, from Our Voice, slammed Merton Council for not finding the family a home. She said: “The council needs to house her, it is ridiculous, she is living in a living room with three children.”
Ross Garrod, Merton Council leader, said: “The gas explosion has devastated our community and it will be a while before we have the answers that we need. Since that tragic day, six months ago, the council has been doing everything it can to support those affected, including Ms Ahmad and her family.
"We are continuing our efforts to find a suitable property for the family.”
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