A “kind and loving” elderly man was killed in a devastating house explosion in Bedford.
Paul Swales, 85, sadly lost his life in the blast at his home on Cleat Hill, which occurred on October 19. Another casualty of the disaster, a woman in her 80s who is related to Mr. Swales, was seriously injured and remains hospitalised after being rescued from the fire.
The Swales family honoured the memory of Paul with touching words: “Paul was a kind and loving man who we dearly miss. We thank the emergency services for their professionalism and the kind and heartfelt messages that have been received by everyone.”
They also expressed gratitude to a hero who helped in the aftermath: “A special thanks goes to the gentleman that bravely pulled our family member from the fire. Our thoughts are also with the people that have been impacted since and we hope the distress will soon end.”
Information emerged when Bedfordshire Police disclosed that high levels of natural gas were detected in the soil following the catastrophe, leading to evacuations in Cleat Hill’s vicinity. The presence of these gasses was attributed to natural underground sources rather than the mains gas network, reports the Mirror.
A local resident, opting to remain anonymous, recollected the chilling moment of the explosion, noting that subterranean natural gas had been found “coming out from the ground” around the same location months before. She recounted the event vividly: “I just heard the bang, I heard a mighty bang that was really massive. I can’t describe it. I’ve never heard anything like it.”
According to her account, the sheer force of the explosion ripped “the whole roof” off the stricken dwelling.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Inwood from Bedfordshire Police commented on the tragedy, expressing heartfelt concern: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Swales’ loved ones at this difficult and distressing time, as well as the woman in hospital, who we wish a full recovery. Specialist officers are working with Mr Swales’ family and will support them however we can.”
“Following the explosion and subsequent identification of increased levels of natural gas in the ground, an evacuation of the immediate area has been undertaken and a cordon and road closures remain in place as a precaution.”
The spokesman added further details about the gas situation: “The gas levels identified are thought to be naturally occurring gases from an underground source and not coming from the gas pipe network in the area. Safety is our main priority, and so we are still advising for people to avoid the Cleat Hill area whilst work at the scene continues. We also want to remind any drone owners that the area is currently a no-fly zone.”
I”We know residents of nearby properties want to get back into their homes as quickly as possible and we thank them for their continued support and patience. We are working closely with multiple partners as part of our investigation into the circumstances and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the person who sadly died and the person who is being treated in hospital.”
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