Gas Monitor Installation Precedes Return of Some Residents to Blast Site Area

Installation of 83 gas monitors in residences near a fatal explosion site is supporting efforts for residents to reoccupy their homes. The incident, which resulted in two fatalities, involved a fire at a property on Cleat Hill, Bedford, on 19 October. The explosion was linked to an underground natural gas leak that originated during drilling for a ground source heat pump. These new monitoring devices are capable of detecting toxic and flammable gases, such as methane, which was recently identified in the vicinity. Nevertheless, Bedfordshire Police’s official recommendation for residents to refrain from returning to their properties remains in effect. Paul Swales, aged 85, and his sister-in-law Julia Harris, aged 84, perished in the explosion and subsequent fire approximately two months prior. Fifty households located within a 100m (328ft) cordon around the explosion site were evacuated. Many of these individuals have since resided with family and friends or in temporary housing provided by Bedford Borough Council. The BBC has learned that the gas monitors were installed last Thursday and Friday, leading to the return of several residents. These detectors operate via a wall socket and include a back-up battery for power outages. They are designed to identify dangerous gases such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, and methane. In the event of a hazard detection, an alarm is triggered, and emergency services are alerted. Ruth Pressley, 74, informed BBC Three Counties Radio that she went back to her residence on Friday. She stated, “I felt safe about coming home because the gas monitors had actually been installed. I have two in my house. They are unobtrusive – probably about the size of a television remote control.” She mentioned that the vicinity remained “reasonably empty” but noted that some other neighbors had also come back. She further expressed feeling “quite happy to be back after the seven weeks that we were out for, and we can now get to the stage of thinking it’s Christmas.” A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police confirmed that 83 monitors had been installed “in all homes that have accepted the offer.” They also stated that the local council is continuing to supply accommodation for residents from 21 properties within the cordon. The spokesperson added, “Emergency services will remain at the scene whilst the risk reflects it. The cordons of the surrounding area are constantly being reviewed.” Inquests concerning the two fatalities commenced in late November at Central Bedfordshire Coroner’s Court. The coroner’s report indicated that no causes of death have been determined, awaiting further investigation. Last month, the Health and Safety Executive reported that the borehole intended for the heat pump had been sealed with cement, rendering it gas-tight.