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Chronicle Live
National
Aaron Morris

Man remains in hospital three weeks on from horrific Sunderland explosion which ripped property apart

A man who was injured in an explosion in Roker, Sunderland, remains in hospital three weeks on.

The blast destroyed a number of properties on Whickham Street on Februrary 15 - leading to two men being rushed to hospital.

One man has since recovered from the incident, however, the other still remains in hospital where he continues to receive treatment.

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Gentoo, which oversees the affected properties, is supporting those affected by the blast.

Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo Group, this week said: “Since the explosion on Whickham Street, Gentoo has continued to provide help and support to those affected.

"Unfortunately, one of the residents remains in hospital and we are continuing to support his family during this very difficult time."

A number of further residents were also affected by the explosion which took place on Whickham Street, and have since been unable to return to their homes due to an ongoing investigation which keeps the row of houses blocked off.

However, Gentoo have also in-turn supported these residents by rehousing them, while they continue to assess what's next for the properties affected.

Mr Wilson continued: "The remaining residents who lived in the properties adjacent to the property where the explosion took place, are now living in alternative accommodation provided by Gentoo.

Pictures show the scale of the damage caused by the 'significant' explosion on Whickham Street, Roker. (TW Fire and Rescue)

“The Health and Safety Executive continues to carry out its investigation and the cause of the explosion is not yet known.

“We are continuing to assess the structural damage to the adjoining properties and have not yet fully established the next steps, although we are working closely with our insurers to finalise a plan.

"In the meantime, the properties that remain have been made safe, and we will continue to work with Sunderland City Council regarding the road situation, as it is the responsible authority.

“The health and safety of our tenants remains our number one priority and we will continue to work as quickly as possible to formulate a proposal for Whickham Street.”

You can read more about the incident itself as it unfolded, here.

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