Blast took home and '35 years of memories'

FAMILY say they’ve “lost everything” after their 35-year-old home was destroyed in a suspected gas explosion at their neighbour's house.

- FILIPA GASPAR

Rich Cainey and his parents Rob and Deb, both 60, lost their family home purchased in the 1990s to a devastating blast on Tuesday, April 29.

The property on Lancaster Road in Yate was destroyed in an early morning explosion which saw four people hurt, though witnesses said it was a “miracle” no one was killed.

The damage to the family home means it is going to have to be knocked down and rebuilt.

Rich said the specialist team told him the whole house will be demolished and rebuilt within 18 months.

But the family left their beloved home empty-handed, with Rich adding the only belongings he got out are what he brought with him after the explosion - his boxers and his mobile phone.

Rich and his family are currently living in a relative’s house in Yate but are hoping to move into a rental property by the end of next week.

He said their family home has got fire and water damage and there are cracks all around the front of the house.