Police have confirmed they are investigating a gas explosion at a bar in Chester city centre last night (March 29). An explosion happened at a Turtle Bay bar in Chester Market just after 6.30pm with three people working as contractors at the time taken to hospital with severe burns.
The explosion led to an evacuation of the market with witnesses describing a 'shockwave' when it happened. Cheshire Constabulary have now confirmed they are investigating the explosion, alongside the Health and Safety Executive.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "We are undertaking a full investigation at the scene alongside the Health and Safety Executive."
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An eyewitness told CheshireLive how they saw someone running from the scene and feeling a 'shockwave' as they were in the adjacent Zizzi's at the time. They said: "It was like a shockwave. I didn't hear an explosion like you might see in films. It was like you could sense it. I got the feeling that something was over-pressurizing.
"There was a weird pressure in the air before I saw it happen. I looked and saw a piece of the building coming off. It sounded like someone had dropped some scaffolding poles.
"It was only six feet away - if it was any bigger then it could have come through the window of Zizzi. I saw a man running from the falling debris and could see he had severe burns. My thoughts are with all those who have been injured."
Cadent were also called to the scene last night to make the area safe. Jenny Moten, director of Cadent’s North West Network, said: "Cadent has supported the multi-agency response to last night’s incident in Chester, as the gas emergency service for the area. My team made sure everything associated with gas was safe.
"We’ve carried out a thorough check of the gas mains and service pipes in the area. I can confirm they are sound and did not cause or contribute to this incident.
"We now leave the scene in the hands of the lead agencies, as they continue their work to establish what happened. Cadent provides a 24-hour, 365-day gas emergency response service. If you ever smell gas, call the national gas emergency service, immediately, on 0800 111 999, day or night. All calls are recorded and may be monitored."
The market remained closed today along with the Zizzi. It is not yet known when the market will reopen.
This morning, Chester Market has provided the following statement via social media: "Following the incident in the unit next to Chester Market on Wednesday evening further investigations are underway. As a result Chester Market will remain closed on Thursday. Further updates will be provided as soon as possible."
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