Works to contain natural gas at explosion site in Cleat Hill continue
A meeting with local authorities, emergency services and experts was held for evacuated residents last night
A meeting was held last night to inform residents evacuated from Cleat Hill following an explosion, and subsequent high levels of natural gas, on the latest.
At St Mark's Church, emergency services updated residents on the ongoing investigation, local authorities detailed services made available to them during this time, and experts were able to explain the situation in more depth and answer questions.
While evacuees raised a number of questions, no clarity could be brought on exactly when they would permanently be allowed back into their homes.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio at last night's meeting, Erika, one of the evacuees, said: "There are other people there who understand exactly how you feel because they're going through the same psychologically. That's really important.
"I've been coming to this room that they've set up every day at some point just for a sit and a cuppa and just a bit of relaxed downtime because it's been really helpful for me and makes me feel normal."
Officers were called to Cleat Hill on Saturday October 19th to an explosion and fire at a residential property, in which a man died and a woman remains in hospital with critical injuries.
The family of 85-year-old Paul Swales yesterday paid tribute to a "kind and loving man who they dearly miss."
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Inwood from Bedfordshire Police said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Swales’ loved ones at this difficult and distressing time, as well as the woman in hospital who we wish a full recovery.
“We are working with a number of partners, including the Health and Safety Executive and on behalf of the Coroner’s Office, to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. This includes reviewing any previous issues reported in the local area."
Agencies such as UKHSA have been working closely with authorities to establish the extent of the health risk, and the British Geological Survey have collected gas samples to be scientifically analysed.
Meanwhile fluctuating quantities of natural gas continue to be logged and monitored on site.
Teams are now working on containing natural gas within the pocket and sealing it.
The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and a safety concern remains, meaning a cordon will stay in place for the foreseeable future.
A milestone since the explosion was however reached yesterday, as all residents waiting to get back to their properties to collect items were able to return.