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Gas caused association house explosion, police confirm
An explosion which destroyed a housing association home in Sunderland last week was caused by gas, police have confirmed.
The Gentoo-owned property in Ryhope, Sunderland, was totally destroyed in the blast and there was severe damage to the neighbouring semi-detached home.
One woman was taken to hospital following the explosion, but there were no further casualties.
A police spokesperson said the incident was caused by a gas explosion. The spokesperson added that the gas supply to the property has been capped and made safe.
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Michelle Meldrum, executive director of operations at Gentoo Group, said: “Following the necessary safety checks, all residents are now able to move back in to their homes with the exception of one family, where their property requires extensive further repair. We have placed them in temporary accommodation until their home is ready.
“With regards to the residents of the two properties now demolished, one remains in hospital and the couple in the other property are in temporary accommodation, provided by Gentoo. We have already offered this couple alternative permanent accommodation which they are now considering.
“Our team have ensured they have everything they need in terms of clothing and necessities for the short term and we continue to offer them support and assistance.
“We are working closely with the emergency services and all other parties involved while investigations are ongoing.”
Housing associations, in common with all landlords, have an obligation to carry out annual gas safety checks on the properties they own.
A spokesperson for the 29,000-home landlord said both properties were up to date with these checks, having been last assessed in October last year. New boilers were fitted in December 2015.
At the year end, Gentoo said it a 99.98% compliance rate with gas safety rules, with just five properties being processed through court as the landlord had been unable to gain access, despite multiple attempts.
The association took control of around 36,000 properties following a major stock transfer from Sunderland Council in 2001.
