Fatal explosion bungalow to be rebuilt as probe ends

The blast caved in the bungalow which was later demolished

A Derbyshire bungalow demolished following a fatal gas explosion will be rebuilt.

Nigel Barrow, 78, was airlifted to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital after the blast at the end-of-terrace property on Ollersett Avenue, in New Mills, in November last year, and died three days later.

An investigation by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has since found a "ruptured gas pipe" was behind the blaze.

High Peak Borough Council planners have ruled the property should be reinstated, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

A new two-bedroom bungalow will be built on the original building’s footprint and the back garden reinstated.

The property will be fitted with a carelink service and let by the council to a couple or individual aged 55 or over.

Investigations into the cause of the explosion have discovered a ruptured pipe was behind the tragedy

The blast on 14 November caved in the property, meaning it had to be demolished.

Fire crews from New Mills, Glossop, Whaley Bridge and Buxton, Derbyshire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service and an air ambulance, as well as staff from gas distribution network company Cadent attended the scene.

Residents in 14 nearby properties were evacuated from their homes.

The council set up a rest centre at New Mills Leisure Centre and some households were provided temporary accommodation before returning to their homes the following day.

A Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said a joint fire investigation into the cause of an explosion has found the fire "was accidental".

The spokesperson said: “This was due to the ignition of a build-up of gas which had leaked into the property as the result of a fractured gas main.”

Derbyshire Police has submitted a file to the coroner in relation to Mr Barrow’s death.

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