Demolition of even more houses 'can't be ruled out' after fatal explosion

FLATTENING THE HOMES COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO OTHERS

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

THE demolition of three properties destroyed by a fatal explosion may itself cause “additional damage” to surrounding homes that could mean they are also flattened.

One of those working on the clean-up effort in Worksop said he cannot rule out more houses having to be demolished beyond the current three until structural surveys have been carried out.

Emergency services were called to John Street on Saturday, April 12, after a huge explosion took place inside number 26. A major incident was quickly declared and Nottinghamshire Police eventually confirmed that 53-year-old David Howard had lost his life in the explosion.

Police arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of murder and he was later bailed pending further investigation work, with police keeping an open mind about the cause of the explosion.

David Armiger, the chief executive of Bassetlaw District Council, previously confirmed that 26 John Street would be completely demolished following the explosion, as well as the neighbouring 24 and 28 John Street.