A community came together on Wednesday to raise money to support those affected by the devastating house explosion which resulted in the death of a man and the hospitalisation of several others. A concert entitled Community Aid – United in Song was held in Morriston just weeks after the fatal blast shook the area.
It was scheduled raise "much-needed funds" to help the victims of the incident which took place along the area's Clydach Road on Monday, March 13, and resulted in the death of retired 68-year-old builder Brian Lyn Davies, whose body was discovered among the rubble after being unaccounted for for several hours.
The free event featured Morriston RFC Male Choir, Morriston Orpheus Choir, Morriston Ladies Choir, Tabernacle Morriston Choir, and Kevin Johns MBE. It will feature a bucket collection during the evening to raise funds. Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
READ MORE: How Swansea community was shaken to its core by fatal explosion
It is not the only thing taking place in the community to help out those who are in need of help. On Thursday, March 30, a coffee shop in Phoenix Way, Swansea, opened its doors to those affected. Mari Davies, 54, owner of The Coffee Shed, provided hot food, drinks, and cakes and said it was a "very nice evening" as residents were happy to be reunited with one another.
Ms Davies, who opened her shop especially for the residents who in some cases are still living in temporary accommodation, said: "I was walking past the tables and I could hear a gentleman saying: 'There's always somebody worse off than yourself.' Even in that predicament he was comparing himself to others who are worse off. People were talking about how it had affected them and their predicament at the moment because most of them aren't back in their homes and living in hotels and B&Bs I believe. So it can't be very pleasant for them." She added that she served the residents alongside her son Thomas Davies, his friend Callum Henneberg, and her employee Stephanie Duffy and said she plans to host a similar event in a fortnight.
Providing an update on investigations into the explosion chief operating officer for Wales & West Utilities, Rob Long said: “Following the explosion at a property in the Clydach Road area of Swansea on March 13 we worked with the emergency services in our role as the gas emergency service, helping to keep the area safe and support investigations into the cause.
“Investigations, led by the emergency services and Health and Safety Executive (HSE), are still under way. Due to the extent of the damage to the property and its surroundings this process is complex and will take some time to conclude. We will continue to support the emergency services and HSE as they investigate.”
The Health and Safety Executive was contacted for comment but referred WalesOnline to the police. South Wales Police detective inspector Carl Price added: “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.”
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