Residents allowed to return home after Welshpool explosion

The cause of the blast has not yet been confirmed, but reports locally suggesting that it was a gas explosion have been confirmed as unfounded.

Two people were taken to hospital in Shrewsbury after the blast, which occurred at a residential property at about 3.20pm on Saturday, January 2. One other person was also injured but hospital treatment was not required.

Two ambulance crews, two fire engines and police teams were quickly on the scene following the incident, which occurred at No39 Woodside and affected three adjoining properties. The residents of Nos 37, 38 and 40 Woodside have since been allowed to return to their homes, while the damaged property has been made safe and secure.

A police presence has been maintained on site as the damaged property remains cordoned off, while fire, gas and council investigators continue to work out the cause of the explosion.

Dave Collins, Wales & West Utilities’ gas emergency service manager for North Wales and Mid Wales, confirmed that the explosion was not due to a gas leak.

“We were called to reports of an explosion at a property in the Woodside area of Welshpool on Saturday and immediately sent a team of engineers to the scene,” said Mr Collins.

“On arrival we found that the property had been damaged and emergency services were in control of the scene, and as a precaution, had evacuated nearby properties. 

“We worked with the emergency services to make the area safe and carried out all necessary gas safety checks. We found no evidence of a gas leak in the area and the property itself was not connected to our gas network.

“The cause of the explosion is still being investigated by the emergency services, however, we can confirm it is not related to the mains gas network.

“If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night. Before visiting, we'll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We'll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.”

A policeman on the scene at Woodside in Welshpool on Sunday. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.PB002-2021

Nigel Brinn, corporate director of economy and the environment at Powys County Council, tweeted about the blast at the time and provided an update on Sunday evening. “Incident update, last night 4 properties in this block were evacuated and residents suitably accommodated.

“Following an inspection earlier today, adjoining properties were allowed to return home. The damaged property has been made safe and secure, pending further investigation.

“Unfortunately I do not yet have an update on the injured residents. Please note that it was not a PCC property that was damaged. The adjoining properties are ours though. Great work by the multi-agency team involved. Many thanks to all the @PowysCC team for their swift response.”

While the three neighbouring homes are Powys County Council-owned, the affected property is believed to be owned by Welshpool Town Council.

Dyfed Powys Police said they are investigating the incident. “Police were called just before 3.45pm on Saturday, 2nd January 2021, to a report of an explosion at a property at Woodside, Welshpool,” said a force spokesperson.

“There were three people in the property at the time, two of whom were taken to hospital.

"Neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution and the area cordoned off for safety reasons.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident.” 

Neighbours Brian and Amy Bowen, 83 and 81, live opposite the row of four houses that were evacuated after the explosion.

Mr Bowen said: “I was upstairs in the attic room and saw black smoke coming from the chimney.

“I came downstairs and went to the window and looked up, and all of a sudden there was this gush of black smoke and a huge bang.”

The couple took in neighbours Phil and Maureen, who live at one of the adjoining properties and described to them the scene of devastation caused by the blast.

“There were two ambulances, two fire engines and police cars present, but we could hardly see any of them because of how thick the smoke was,” added Mr Bowen.

Mr Bowen also said that two people had gone to hospital, and while he wasn't sure of the severity of their injuries, he was relieved they had escaped with their lives having witnessed large amounts of glass and metal flying through the air.

The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed it sent an ambulance and an RV to the scene at 3.22pm on Saturday.

The service also confirmed that two people had been taken to hospital in Shrewsbury.