The gas mains and pipes 'did not contribute to or cause' the house explosion which killed a 91-year-old in Wythenshawe last night, the gas network has found. Gas board, Cadent, has revealed the conclusions of its checks in the wake of the blast which saw the death of Frank Burton in his home.
The gas mains and service pipes in the area are 'sound', according to gas distribution network Cadent. Staff's 'thorough investigation' comes after widower Frank Burton, 91, was found dead in his home after the blast in Brownley Road, Wythenshawe, on March 31.
READ MORE: Police issue investigation update following tragic house explosion which killed Frank Burton, 91
Emergency services attended after reports of a fire and explosion at the house on Brownley Road at about 6.30pm. Sadly, a man - believed to be in his 90s - was then located deceased inside a property.
Greater Manchester Police had suggested that there were reports of a gas explosion. However, in a new statement issued at around 3.30pm today, April 1, the force has emphasised that the cause is yet to be determined and that investigations are still in their early stages. A number of houses were evacuated and the scene made safe at about 8pm. Greater Manchester Police bosses have now appealed for anyone with information about the blast to come forward, adding that they believe it to be a 'contained incident'.
Cadent managed the gas pipes that run underground, carrying gas to properties. It is also the gas emergency service – with engineers are on standby to respond to any emergency 24/7, whether that’s something connected to the Cadent network or something inside a property, not part of the network.
Mark Berry, Head of Customer Operations, Cadent, said: “As the gas emergency service, we have supported the emergency response to what has happened in Wythenshawe. The thoughts of everyone at Cadent are with those affected by this.
“Following a thorough investigation, we can confirm that the gas mains and service pipes in the area are sound and did not contribute to or cause the incident in Brownley Road. The matter now lies with other agencies for further investigation.
“We would also like to remind people that if you ever smell gas, inside the home or outside, call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999* immediately, day or night. Our team is available 24/7, 365 days-a-year to respond to emergencies quickly.”
Frank Burton's family paid tribute to him at the scene this morning as investigations continued, describing him as 'a character and a good guy'. His brother Philip said he feared that his sibling - a dad-of-two - may have bought an appliance to 'help with the cold snap in anticipation of rising energy bills' - and that it may have sparked the blast.
In an update this afternoon, Friday April 1, Detective Inspector Matthew Dixon, of GMP's City of Manchester district, said: "Firstly, my thoughts are with the deceased man's family.
"Although we believe the deceased man was the occupant of the house he hasn't been formally identified yet. His family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
"Our investigations with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the Health and Safety Executive are at an early stage as we try and determine the cause of the explosion.
"It is believed this was a self-contained incident and there is no threat to surrounding properties. I would like to thank the people who live in Brownley Road and the surrounding community for their patience on a very difficult night.
"Many families were displaced last night but are back in their homes today, and the properties either side have not been damaged. Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101 quoting log 2418 of 31/03/2022."
Mr Burton's brother told of how he believes the explosion could have been caused by a new appliance. He said: "The explosion is typical of gas. Whether that's mains gas, or if he had something in to help with the cold snap and anticipating rise in energy, he may have bought something."
An appliance may have been left on and could have sparked the explosion the Manchester Evening News understands, though this has not been confirmed by officials. Cadent workers, fire officers and police remained at the house this afternoon.
Mark Threader, borough commander for Manchester for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and Mark Dixon, Detective Inspector at GMP, both spoke from the scene and said that investigations were in the early stages.
"As things stand at the moment, we are in the phase of making the premises safe so we can carry out investigations. GMFRS, GMP and Cadent gas are working closely together to try and find out what caused the incident", Mr Threader said.
A major incident was declared for a short time last night before it was stood down by emergency services. A large cordon was put in place on Brownley Road as some residents were evacuated from their homes.
At the scene, DI Dixon added that he had been told by the fire service that the incident was 'isolated'. He said: "This was specific to that premises and there is not a wider risk to other properties. We're keeping an open mind and exploring all lines of enquiry."
