The child, now named as Sahara Salman, four years old, died after a terraced house collapsed as a result of the explosion. Three others are being treated in the hospital for their injuries. Merton Council has described the explosion as a "major incident."
The gas explosion, which occurred in Thornton Heath, south London, happened at about 07:10 am on 8 August, damaging neighboring houses. Around 80 nearby homes were also evacuated, affecting around 100 people, who are being housed by the council, with suggestions that it could take up to ten days before they can go home.
specialist crime unit
The LFB investigated the cause of the explosion, before handing it over to local authorities and the police. A specialist crime unit is now investigating the cause of Sahara’s death.
Sahara’s mother, Sana Ahmad, first “identified the smell [of gas] on 30 July. The first call we made was on the same day at 3:57 pm.” Staff from Southern Gas Networks (SGN) came the following day, but Ms. Ahmad was told that there were no major issues.
Evening Standard
LFB investigated the cause of the explosion, before handing it over to local authorities and the police
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Ms. Ahmad has accused SGN of “negligence,” and that she was told that SGN “would send another guy who was higher up to inspect the property because [the inspector] wasn’t totally sure. Unfortunately, that other guy never did show up. The work wasn’t fully carried out. They did tell us there were loads of little gas leaks – they said that pipes had been leaking but that they were minor leaks."
“The saddest thing is that we tried to prevent this from happening. The gas people should have ensured the safety of not only us but every single person who lives in that area. Now we’re all suffering – the whole community. And now we all have to live with the trauma of a little girl dying.”
Residents reported a strong smell of gas two weeks ago, and have recently seen engineers working in the area.
serious questions to answer
Local MP Siobhain McDonagh said that SGN had "very serious questions to answer." Labor MP for Mitcham and Morden also added: "There is a lot of anger around SGN and delays in resolving the gas leak."
A spokesperson from SGN said: "Following the explosion in Galpin's Road, Thornton Heath, earlier today, our deepest sympathies are with the family of the child who has tragically died as well as those who have been injured. We'd like to reassure everyone that our engineers are working closely with the emergency services to establish the cause of the explosion. Given the ongoing police investigation, it is inappropriate to comment any further at this stage."
Local resident Reverend Deji Ayorinde, of Pollards Hill Baptist Church, said: "There is anger in the community surrounding unanswered questions. This thing was reported and it still wasn't resolved days or weeks later. Who takes ownership for that? The anger has built up because it has now cost life and that's a catalyst for the strength of emotion around this."
