A tragic incident in Nottinghamshire has claimed the life of a father following a devastating house explosion in the town of Worksop.
The victim has now been formally identified by police as 53-year-old David Howard. His body was discovered beneath the rubble after emergency services responded to the Worksop house explosion on John Street on the evening of Friday, 12 April.
Crews were dispatched at 7:39pm following reports of a significant blast inside a residential property, prompting the declaration of a major incident.
Despite the prompt arrival and extensive efforts of first responders, Mr Howard was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His daughters have been notified and are currently receiving support from specially trained officers. Police investigations into the cause of the explosion remain ongoing.
Nottinghamshire Police Chief Inspector Clive Collings, speaking at the scene on Monday, said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the wife, daughters and friends of the victim. I would also like to thank the local community and people of Worksop.
It is obviously a live investigation so we are still in the process of trying to understand why this has happened. If there is anyone who knows anything or has seen anything that could help us with our investigation could they please call 101.”
Authorities confirmed that 35 properties in the vicinity were evacuated as a safety precaution, although most residents have since been allowed to return to their homes.
Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow paid further tribute to Mr Howard, stating: “Our thoughts are very much with David’s loved ones at this devastating time. He has lost his life in truly tragic circumstances, and 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, people avoid speculation both online and in the community. We again thank people for their continued support and co-operation at this time.”
The investigation into the Worksop house explosion continues, with authorities urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
