85-Year-Old Identified as Victim in Cleat Hill House Explosion

Police have identified the individual who passed away following a house explosion. Paul Swales, aged 85, succumbed on October 19, subsequent to emergency services responding to reports of a residential fire in Cleat Hill, Bedford. According to police, a female relative in her 80s, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is still hospitalized in serious condition. Over 40 residences situated within a 100-meter exclusion zone continue to be evacuated from their homes. The fire service stated it was “yet to determine the exact cause” of the blast. Mr. Swales’ family issued a statement honoring him, saying: “Paul was a kind and loving man who we dearly miss.”They added: “We thank the emergency services for their professionalism and the kind and heartfelt messages that have been received by everyone. “A special thanks goes to the gentleman that bravely pulled our family member [the woman in her 80s] from the fire.”The family also conveyed: “Our thoughts are also with the people that have been impacted since and we hope the distress will soon end.” During a public meeting held on Monday evening, Jim Davies, assistant chief fire officer for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “We’re still yet to determine the exact cause [of the explosion] but it’s getting nearer and nearer as we start to stabilise the structure.”He further stated: “We will look to reduce [the cordon] as and when we can… but safety is our number one priority.” Mr. Davies mentioned that evacuated residents were offered the opportunity to re-enter their properties to retrieve belongings, with “supported by fire service staff” present. The blast that resulted in Mr. Swales’ death occurred in the identical vicinity where, on July 2, contractors encountered a natural gas pocket during the drilling of a borehole for a heat pump installation, leading to a separate evacuation of adjacent properties. A distinct, active inquiry is currently being conducted into the details surrounding that previous gas leak. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that it is developing a lasting method to seal the borehole, and efforts are progressing to bring the escaping gas “under control.” Chief Inspector Katherine Rivers of Bedfordshire Police indicated that the force has also been collaborating with various partners, including the HSE, to ascertain the explosion’s cause, encompassing “previous issues reported.”She informed the public meeting on Monday: “I can appreciate there’s going to be several witnesses, we could be talking about up to 100 who the investigation team may be contacting.”She concluded: “We have and will continue to support the partnership response by staffing the cordons and maintaining a police presence in the area to ensure empty properties are secure.” Further updates on news from Beds, Herts, and Bucks are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.