Cleat Hill explosion: Second victim, 84, dies

Emergency services were called to Cleat Hill on Saturday, 19 October

A second person has died following an explosion and a fire at a house.

Police said Julia Harris, 84, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the blast in Cleat Hill, Bedford, on 19 October. She died on Tuesday.

Paul Swales, 85, died on the day of the explosion.

Dozens of people remain evacuated from their properties, and the fire service said it was "yet to determine the exact cause" of the explosion.

A man and a woman died following the blast at the house

The explosion that killed Mr Swales and Ms Harris was in the same area where, on 2 July, contractors struck a pocket of natural gas while drilling a borehole to install a heat pump, causing another evacuation of nearby properties.

A separate ongoing investigation is under way into the circumstances of that earlier gas leak.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it was working on a permanent solution to seal off the borehole and work was under way to get the escaping gas "under control".

Paul Swales, aged 85, died after the explosion and fire at the house earlier this month

Det Ch Insp Matt Inwood, from Bedfordshire Police said: "Our thoughts remain with Julia’s loved ones at this difficult and distressing time.

"Our family liaison officers are working with family and friends and will continue to support them however we can."

Mayor of Bedford Borough Tom Wootton said: "On behalf of Bedford Borough, I extend my deepest condolences to all who know and love the family affected by this heartbreaking tragedy."