Residents assured their homes are safe following tragic death of man in Newton Longville gas explosion
As a community mourns the death of gas explosion victim Steve Woodward, experts have assured neighbours that their own properties are safe.
Steve, 67, suffered serious burns when his housing association bungalow in Cobb Hall Road, Newton Longville, dramatically exploded into flames on Sunday (August 9).
The property was reduced to rubble and he was pulled from the wreckage by neighbours. He was rushed to hospital and treated at a specialist burns unit but sadly today (Thursday August 13) police announced he had lost his battle for life.
The Health and Safety Executive immediately began an investigation, together with police and the bungalow owners, Fairhive Homes, a not-for-profit provider of social housing in Bucks. Neighbours were evacuated while the gas network was thoroughly examined.
The scrutiny into what caused the explosion is ongoing but meanwhile HSE official have assured other residents in Cobb Hall Road that there is no problem with the network, supplied through SGN, as their homes are safe.
To give them total peace of mind, they have all been offered a gas safety check, conducted by a SGN engineer in their home.
"We’ve all been evacuated while they carried out all the checks. Now we’ve been told it’s not a network problem and our homes are all safe – but we can still have them checked before we return if we wish,” said one neighbour.
"It’s been a terrifying time for everyone and we’re all still in shock. You just don’t expect your neighbour’s house to explode out of the blue...”
But today the community is in further shock and mourning for Steve, the quiet, polite man who lived with his Doberman dog and loved the outdoors and walking in the countryside. The dog was also rescued from the wreckage but its fate is currently unknown.
Steve was a popular member of Wing Sports and Social Club in Wing village and, immediately after the disaster, they set up a fundraising page to cover the loss of all his possessions.
A club spokesman said at the time: “Steve has lost virtually everything. His home has been destroyed, his car has been lost and all of his personal possessions, memories, clothing, household items and everyday essentials have been taken from him. In a matter of moments, everything he had worked so hard to build was gone.”
On Tuesday, the club held a special tribute evening for Steve, inviting members of show their support for his recovery. Sadly today they are holding another session for people to mourn his death and show their grief.
“During this upsetting period of time, we want to let everyone know that the Wing Sports & Social Club will be open.. We welcome friends, members and the wider community to come along, have a drink, and be together during this difficult time,” said a spokesperson this morning.
Meanwhile, local MP Callum Anderson has described Steve’s death as “an absolute tragedy”.
He said: “My thoughts are with Stephen’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, as well as with all those in the wider community who have been affected or displaced by this devastating incident.”
The MP added: “ I know that a joint investigation is currently being carried out by the Health and Safety Executive and Thames Valley Police. If you have any information that may be relevant to the investigation, please contact Thames Valley Police, quoting URN 660 and the relevant date.
“My sincere condolences go to everyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss.”
Newton Longville Parish Council has also released a statement today saying: “It has been announced this morning that Steve Woodward, the Cobb Hall Road resident injured on Sunday, has sadly succumbed to those injuries.
“Our deepest condolences go to Steve’s family and friends. He will clearly be very much missed by this community.”
A spokesperson for Fairhive Homes told the Citizen: "We are deeply saddened by the news that our resident has died as a result of the explosion that occurred last weekend in Cobb Hall Road in Newton Longville. Our thoughts are with their family, friends and everyone affected.
“Investigations into the circumstances of the incident remain ongoing and we are continuing to liaise with all relevant agencies regarding their enquiries. Our immediate focus remains on supporting affected residents, assisting those who have been temporarily displaced and helping ensure that they can return to their homes as soon as it is safe to do so.”
“We know that incidents of this nature can be distressing for all concerned and our team will continue to be on hand over the coming days to provide help and support where needed.”
Finally, a spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive said today: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the man who has tragically died.
“We continue to investigate the circumstances and cause of this explosion alongside our colleagues at Thames Valley Police.”