Merlin News

Gas Explosion in Tyneside

AMG's Specialist Adjusting Unit is today responding to a claim involving a major gas explosion at a property in Tyneside.

The tenant of the property in question was lucky to survive the blast, which blew the roof off the property. Witness accounts describe how he was spotted immediately after the blast standing in the midst of the debris with a frying pan in his hand.

It is believed that the explosion occurred because the tenant, who suffers from dementia, turned on the gas supply to his cooker but failed to light it and was then distracted for a period of time, leaving the gas supply on. When he returned and lit the gas, the explosion occurred.

Commented Mike Bond of AMG's SAU, who is coordinating the handling of the claim;

"The extent of damage is very severe, the top floor of the building having been virtually destroyed. The roof covering was literally blown off with the front section sliding down onto the pavement and the rear section coming to rest on the tenant's shed. The rear elevation has been blown out completely and there is extensive damage to the front elevation.

The tenant made a remarkable escape. Considering the force of the blast, the fact that he suffered no more than minor cuts and bruises is astonishing. He is very lucky to be alive. He is currently under observation in Hospital and we are led to believe that having been assessed by Social Services, it is unlikely that he will be allowed to live alone from now on.

Arrangements have been made to begin the process of removing debris and to shore up sections of the flats either side. Friends and relatives have been permitted to remove contents

We are working with our Insurer Client and the Housing Association to get repairs under way as a matter of urgency"

One problem that the emergency contractors faced was severe assaults by two angry adult seagulls, whose nest containing fledgling chicks remained partly intact on the chimney stack following the blast. Arrangements have now been made to move the nest to a rather safer area.

Issued for and on behalf of :-

AMG
Stratton Court
Bromborough
Wirral
CH62 3PW

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