Investigations continue into Bedford explosion
It's hoped the neighbouring block will soon be able to welcome people home
Emergency services, investigating an explosion in Bedford, are hoping they'll soon be able to access the site.
It follows positive discussions with structural engineers working at the Redwood Grove site, which went up in flames on Monday (4 July).
Chief Superintendent John Murphy, leading the Bedfordshire Police response to the incident, said: “We are continuing to do our work in Redwood Grove as quickly and as safely as we can.
“We know that this will be a protracted investigation given the complexity of the site, but we have had some positive news from structural experts today that means we will be able to make progress more quickly than we initially thought.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of the person who is believed to have died in this tragic and hugely distressing incident. We have specialist officers available to support them however we can.
“We are also working as fast as we can to get residents back into their homes. I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and patience amidst this ongoing disruption and please be assured we are doing all we can to help.”
It's hoped those living in the adjacent block of flats, who had to flee their homes, should be able to return by the end of the week.
Following discussions with experts, it is also hoped that occupants of some of the directly impacted flats will be able to briefly return and collect a small number of important or cherished items.
Police expect this to be in the weeks ahead, given the need to make the building structurally safe and then complete detailed searches.
At least one person is confirmed to have died in the explosion and fire.
Specialist officers are speaking with and supporting the next of kin of the person who is believed to have died, but have not yet been able to formally confirm their identify.
Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service has confirmed there is no mains gas supply into the building.
Their specialist fire investigators continue to work with colleagues from Bedfordshire Police to establish the cause of the fire and are following a number of lines of enquiry.