An appeal has been launched for those impacted by a house explosion in Swansea which killed one man and left three people needing hospital treatment. Brian Davies, who was 68, died in the explosion which happened at around 11.20am on Monday in Clydach Road, Morriston, Swansea.
Three other people - two adults and a child - were taken to Morriston Hospital after the blast, which left one house collapsed, another badly affected and others in the area with various amounts of damage from falling debris and the shockwave from the explosion. The dad of a teenager pulled from the rubble of the explosion has been speaking about the incident - you can read what he had to say here.
Police confirmed on Monday evening that the body of a man, who was previously unaccounted for, had been recovered from the scene. On Tuesday afternoon a force spokesman said: "The man who died following an explosion at a property on Clydach Road, Morriston, can now be named as 68-year-old Brian Davies. Formal identification took place this afternoon and his family are being supported by specially-trained officers." You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read more: Swansea explosion victim named as police give update
Detective inspector Carl Price added: “Our thoughts remain with Brian’s family and friends, at what is a very difficult time for them, and those who have been injured following the explosion. Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident and these inquiries are being carried out in partnership with relevant agencies including the Health and Safety Executive. The patience and understanding of local residents on Clydach Road, and the wider community in Morriston, is very much appreciated while this work remains ongoing.”
Most householders on the street have been allowed to return to their homes, after checking with their insurers and energy suppliers, but access to 12 homes remains restricted as the repair and recovery operation continues.
An aid appeal has now been launched by Swansea Council for Voluntary Service to help those impacted by the blast. The appeal is to set up financial support for those whose properties have been affected and is asking for donations. YOU CAN DONATE TO THE APPEAL HERE.
The appeal reads: "Many people in the surrounding properties are unable to return to their homes, and find themselves with substantial damage to their homes and belongings.
"The money raised through this appeal will be used initially to provide emergency financial support to people immediately impacted by the explosion who may need to replace urgent items that have been damaged or destroyed, and longer term to support additional costs associated with the event (eg, trauma support)." You can read more about how the community has pulled together to help those affected by the explosion, here.
Swansea Council has also shared an update for people impacted by the explosion. On Tuesday night it said: "The council is working alongside its partners to support residents affected by the gas explosion in Morriston on Monday, 13 March. We understand how difficult the situation is for residents who have had to leave their homes, and the council is working to ensure residents can return to their homes as quickly and as safely as possible."
No formal cause of the blast has yet been established.
Who is allowed to return home
Those living outside the cordon can return to their homes, but are being advised to get gas and electricity checks and contact their insurers beforehand. People living inside the cordon are being advised not to return to their properties until they're informed it's safe to do so by their insurers, due to suspected structural damage.
Properties currently within the cordon
Numbers 133 to 179 Clydach Road
Numbers 150 to 156 Clydach Road
All homes in Grove Place
Essential belongings
People who need to collect essential belongings from their property are free to do so at their own risk. However, they're advised to contact their insurers and gas and electricity providers to ensure it's safe for this to happen.
If people need housing
The council has said it will continue to provide temporary accommodation to those who need it. Anyone who wants to discuss housing needs should also contact the council's Housing Options team. It can be contacted on 01792 533100.
Non-housing related support
People should contact their Local Area Co-ordinator.
Donations
Swansea Council for Voluntary Service and its local partners are encouraging donations. The money raised is being used initially to provide emergency financial support to people immediately impacted by the explosion who may need to replace urgent items that have been damaged or destroyed, and longer term to support additional costs.
Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said: "Our staff, the emergency services and a wide range of community support services have been working round the clock over the last two days to support all those affected by this devastating event. Our thoughts and concerns remain with those most affected by what's happened. We, alongside our partners, have done everything we can to support residents and all those affected.
"We will continue to be there for them over the coming weeks and months. The council has been providing alternative accommodation to those who've needed it free of charge and we will continue to do so."
He added: "The amount of damage done is incredible and the recovery period will take some time. The patience of residents and the wider community so far has been greatly appreciated. The outpouring of support for those affected has been amazing to see and I know just how much those affected have appreciated offers of practical and emotional support.
"An official fund is being set up, details of which we expect to be able to share on Wednesday. In the meantime, I want to place on record our thanks to all those who have worked so hard in the last 48 hours to support the Morriston community at this difficult time."
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