A man who died following an explosion at a house in Swansea has been named. Brian Davies, 68, died in the blast in Clydach Road in Morriston on Monday after a property collapsed following the explosion, causing damage to neighbouring homes.
South Wales Police confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that formal identification of the man had taken place after he had been uncovered from the rubble. Officers said they are supporting his family.
Detective inspector Carl Price said: “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.”
Read more: Dad of teenager pulled from rubble of explosion speaks for first time
Three other people were taken to hospital after the blast with images from the scene showing one house collapsed and another badly damaged. Morriston Hospital said two adults and a child were brought to A&E after neighbours said they saw a boy being pulled from the mess.
The boy was in the attic room and had to be rescued from what had been the roof of the building by a neighbour in the aftermath of the blast at 11.20am. His dad Anthony has told the BBC that his son was "shaken up but alive" as he returned to the scene on Tuesday morning.
He said: "Ethan just remembers the explosion going and him being thrown up against the ceiling and hitting [it]. Next thing he knows he seems to be outside. Not sure if he lost consciousness or not. Part of the roof was under him and part of the roof was on top of him. The guy who lives a couple of doors down ran across to check on Claire and then he dragged Ethan out. He carried Ethan off the roof to get him out. "
Sioned Williams, MS for the South Wales West region, said Mr Davies had been described locally as "very well-liked" and "such a friendly person". "He apparently used to sit outside on the step and talk to people in the street," she said. "A lot of people knew him and liked him and are deeply, deeply concerned for him."
Andy Williams, who has lived on the street for 25 years, became emotional saying: "He's only lived here for a couple of years but I knew him well. He's just a nice guy, a lovely guy. He's always outside chatting."
An investigation is under way to establish the cause of the incident. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed. Teams of gas engineers have been on the scene since Monday afternoon but the cause is yet to be determined.
Police have said that two properties were extensively damaged and other neighbouring properties were also damaged. On Monday night the number of households unable to return home due to structural damage, roads being blocked by debris, and concerns over the safety of the gas main was reduced from over 200 to less than 30. Donations have also been pouring in to the local community for families who have been affected by the blast.
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