Explosion destroyed close-knit community

THE fatal explosion on Violet Close destroyed a “close-knit” community and “drained” the city of cash and resources.

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As Reece Galbraith was jailed for causing the blast in Benwell, which claimed the life of seven-year-old Archie York and Galbraith’s friend, Jason Laws, it was revealed that the response to the tragedy cost Newcastle City Council £3.7m.

Now the authority has told how the financial and emotional impact if the explosion will be felt for many years to come.

A total of 142 residents, from 51 homes, had to be evacuated following the explosion, which happened during the early hours of October 16.