Lawyer Welcomes HSE Investigation

Fourteen people have been injured in a suspected gas explosion in Salford, Greater Manchester. Four terrace houses were destroyed in the explosion. Recent refurbishment had been carried out in the kitchen at the centre of the blast.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has begun a joint investigation with Greater Manchester Police (GMP). 

Residents on the street were awoken by the explosion at about 7.15am on Tuesday the 2nd of November. Up to 50 firefighters were initially called to the scene and several neighbouring streets were cordoned off by police. Engineers were also called from the National Grid were called in to isolate the gas supply to the street.

City West Housing Trust, who own the property, have confirmed that work had been carried out at one of the properties and said investigations were ongoing.

Fire crews rescued five adults and two children from the property. A total of fourteen people have been taken to hospital. A 76-year-old woman suffered 30% burns and is said to be in a serious condition in Wythenshawe Hospital.

A number of people have been evacuated from surrounding homes.

Kate Lax, a leading personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, welcomes the investigations into the cause of the explosion and hopes that those involved can begin to rebuild their lives after the destruction caused.