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A man who died in a gas explosion on residential street in Nottinghamshire has been named as David Howard.
The 53-year-old was pulled from the rubble of a terraced house completely destroyed by the blast on John Street, Worksop, on Sunday.
It had blown up the night before around 7.39pm, damaging surrounding buildings and sparking an evacuation.
‘He has lost his life in truly tragic circumstances’, Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow said.
‘We would ask everyone to respect his daughters’ privacy. Our investigation to establish exactly what happened is ongoing and we are working hard to find the answers his family needs.
‘We would ask that while the investigation is being carried out that people avoid speculation both online and in the community. We again thank people for their continued support and cooperation at this time.’
Responding to a police post announcing the death on Facebook, Ashlie Platt wrote: Gutted, RIP Dave god bless you, all our love bab. You came with so much respect it’s unreal. We’ll never forget you. I’m distraught.’
Donna Potts wrote: ‘RIP Dave my mate, fly high.’
Local councillor Mike Introna, who spent much of his youth on the street, said: ‘So sad to hear of the fatality and injuries following the gas explosion.
‘Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the gentleman and my sincere hopes for a swift recovery to those injured.’
The fire service said: ‘Despite the best efforts of the responding emergency service personnel, he died at the scene.
‘On behalf of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.’
One local who was driving home from mass at the time said ‘there was a terrific bang like a very loud firework’.
They wrote on Facebook: ‘I thought the back end had blown off my car.’
Another said: ‘We had just arrived at the Savoy and heard the bang and felt a shudder. Hope everyone is okay.’
Firefighters and specialist search teams were still on scene on Sunday morning ‘to account for all local residents’.
A cordon and road closure will remain in place for some time for an investigation.
Pictures from the scene show emergency workers climbing on the rubble where the house once stood.
A neighbouring house’s roof has caved in. The street is covered in bricks and glass blown out by the blast.
Roughly 20 people have sought refuge in the Crown Place Community Centre down the road. Others are staying with friends and family.
The police urged people to refrain from flying drones over or near the emergency scene as doing so without permission is an offence.
The fire service said: ‘The building involved in this explosion has been significantly damaged.
‘Structural engineers will be assessing the situation later today, Sunday, April 13, but people are still advised to avoid the area. This is still a major incident.’
Chief Inspector Neil Humphris, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: ‘This is an extremely serious incident that has led to a man’s untimely death.
‘The man’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
‘I have no doubt that this incident will have come as a shock to the community in Worksop.’
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