Homes Evacuated On South Tyneside Following Blast

By Rob Dixon

Legal experts representing victims of a gas explosion in Salford three years ago have urged authorities in the North East to work quickly to determine the cause of a gas explosion in Jarrow, South Tyneside, on Sunday (June 23rd) which reportedly left six people injured.

Northumbria Police said they received reports of the incident on Regent Road at 07.54am, with officers attending the scene alongside other emergency services. The incident was subsequent confirmed as a gas explosion and nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Five casualties in the house suffered injuries in the incident, while a neighbour was also hurt. A man and a woman were taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment.

Irwin Mitchell’s serious injury lawyers represent people who have suffered serious injuries in explosions both at work and in other locations, including people whose properties were affected by a gas explosion in Salford three years ago.

Rachel Di Clemente, a legal expert at the national law firm’s Newcastle office, said: “It is very worrying to see reports of this explosion, particularly as it also comes just weeks after a suspected gas explosion at a property in Sheffield.

“Through the firm’s work on similar cases in the past, we have seen the huge long-term physical and psychological impact that incidents of this kind can have on victims, as well as the wider community.

“It is vital that now that authorities continue to work to determine both the cause of the blast but also what can be done to ensure the same problems are not repeated again in the future. A key aspect will also be identifying whether any safety failings could have contributed to the problems and, if so, how such issues can be tackled.

“Equally important is ensuring that those affected by this incident are given the best possible support and care to aid their recovery from this explosion.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Serious Injury