Worksop house explosion: Dad killed in blast pictured as loved ones left 'devastated'

A man who died in a devastating house explosion has been named as 53-year-old dad David Howard. Emergency services were scrambled to the scene on John Street in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, at around 7.39pm on Saturday after the blast.

Neighbours heard a “huge bang” moments before the entire two-bedroom terrace house collapsed. Officers recovered Mr Howard’s body from under the tonnes of rubble, and his daughters have now been informed while being supported by specially trained officers. officers are continuing to investigate to establish the cause of the explosion, which led emergency services to declare a major incident on Saturday evening.

There were three homes directly affected, with another eight properties and 20 cars damaged by the debris. There was one other individual treated for minor injuries.

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Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow said: “Our thoughts are very much with David’s loved ones at this devastating time. He has lost his life in truly tragic circumstances, and we would ask everyone to respect his daughters' privacy.

“Our investigation to establish exactly what happened is ongoing and we are working hard to find the answers his family needs. We would ask that while the investigation is being carried out that people avoid speculation both online and in the community. We again thank people for their continued support and cooperation at this time."

In the immediate aftermath a number of families were placed in temporary accommodation, but were allowed to return a short while later.

Neighbour Debbie Adams, who lived a few doors down from where the explosion took place, said her house shook and her dining room was filled with dust when the blast ripped through the neighbourhood.

She said: "I went into the street and saw the house totally collapsed. There was dust, and everybody was out, and nobody knew what was going on."

Another local resident, Piotr Peruki, ended up spending Saturday night in his vehicle after the terrifying incident, which he said traumatised his 14-year-old son.

"For him it was a very bad experience, he is scared," Piotr said. "He says he does not want to stay here, he wants to move house, he does not feel safe because maybe the accident will happen again. It had a very big impact on him."

A spokesperson from gas company Cadent said: “The thoughts of everyone at Cadent are with all of those impacted by this tragic incident in Worksop. At this stage, there is no indication that this incident was caused by our network."

Cadent Gas is a British regional gas distribution company that owns, operates and maintains the largest natural gas distribution network in the , transporting gas to 11 million homes and businesses across North West England, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England and North London.