A man who died in a suspected gas explosion at his home may have brought an appliance to help with the cold and energy price rise that could have sparked the blaze, his brother has said. Frank Burton, 91, was killed in the incident in the Wythenshawe area of Manchester on Thursday night (March 31).
Police said there were reports of a 'gas explosion', but specific details have not yet been confirmed, Manchester Evening News reports. Emergency services remained at the scene this morning (Friday).
Speaking at the scene, Frank's brother Philip said he believed he may have bought an appliance to 'help with the cold snap in anticipation of rising energy bills'. 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.
Paying tribute to his brother, Philip, 71, 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."
Frank, a father of two, was a widow, having lost his wife Brenda a decade ago, his brother said. He added: "Frank was in the motor industry, he used to do body work and was highly skilled and respected.
"This is a chap who when he was working once went ballooning over the Grand Canyon. He was an occasional visitor to Las Vegas.
"I haven't been able to reach Frank for some time, he was deaf. He was deaf because he got blown out of bed during the War during The Blitz in Manchester."
The house remains cordoned off this morning as gas workers, fire officers and police remain at the scene. All three windows at the front of the house have been smashed, as well as the front door. Parts of the house appear to have been left charred by the smoke.
