EVIDENCE taken away from the wreckage of a fatal house explosion meant an inquest jury could not say what caused the blast, a hearing in Swansea concluded on Monday (Sept 15).
Brian Davies, 68, died when his home on Clydach Road, Morriston, was destroyed on Monday, 13 March 2023. Three people — including a 14-year-old next door — were taken to hospital.
FAMILY ‘LET DOWN’
At Swansea Guildhall, the jury returned a narrative conclusion after hearing that key material had been removed during the urgent search for Mr Davies, who was found in the kitchen area some six hours after the explosion. His family told the inquest they felt “let down” by “major mistakes” in the investigation.
Coroner Aled Gruffydd apologised that the cause could not be established and said he would write to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and police about evidence preservation in future cases.
WHAT WAS KEPT — AND LOST
Jurors heard that police retained the gas boiler, cooker and meter for examination. However, large volumes of debris were taken to a recycling centre and disposed of, leaving the available evidence “compromised and incomplete”.
A representative for Wales & West Utilities (WWU) said responsibility for securing the scene and gathering exhibits rested with police.
GAS LEAK A ‘VIABLE CAUSE’
An HSE principal gas engineer said the destruction was typical of a severe gas explosion and that a leak in a nearby gas main was “a viable cause”. He added he could not rule out a leak within the property because some potential evidence was no longer available.
A letting agent told the hearing the rented home was inspected five months before the blast and no gas issues were recorded. The jury was shown images of Mr Davies’ cooker in a disconnected state; the agent said the agency had not arranged that disconnection.
A post-mortem found Mr Davies died from injuries to his neck and chest.
NEIGHBOURS DESCRIBE IMPACT
Next-door neighbour Claire Bennett said she had smelled gas in the area for around a fortnight before the explosion. She described a “massive bang”, after which her living room filled with debris as ceilings and walls collapsed. Ms Bennett and her son Ethan have since received therapy for PTSD.
Former postman Jonathan Roberts told the inquest he heard the explosion as he drove past; CCTV showed smoke and debris erupting immediately.
WWU’s chief operating officer, Rob Long, offered condolences to Mr Davies’ family and said the company’s thoughts remained with everyone affected.
In a statement, Mr Davies’ relatives said they were deeply saddened by his loss and felt let down after key evidence was lost. They welcomed the coroner’s decision to report on evidence-preservation issues, hoping no other family endures the same ordeal.
