Investigation launched into gas blast
Gas explosion causes extensive damage to homes in Castleford.

Safety

Investigation launched into gas blast

11 Jul, 2011

Published over 15 years ago. See the latest and most current information on Safety.

A full investigation is underway into a combustible gas explosion in Castleford.

The blast in early hours of Friday (July 8th) is thought to have been caused by thieves aiming to steal copper cabling.

However, they instead cut an overhead electricity line and left it dangling close to the houses.

Shortly after arriving on the scene, the police realised the potential danger and evacuated 30 residents from the houses, just minutes before a massive combustible gas explosion ripped through them.

The fire service suggested that one property was almost completely destroyed in the blast, while five others suffered extensive damage.

Station manager Mark Allen said: "The firefighters did a fantastic job of rescuing residents so quickly, and it was their skill and training which told them they should withdraw."

Two Red Cross fire and emergency support service (FESS) teams attended the scene and helped many of the residents throughout the night.

Latest News

PIN 27.3 June/July 2026

Explore our Digital Edition

Discover the latest news and research

Digital edition

Explore Our Other Sites

Labmate Online
Collaboration supports scalable stem cell therapy manufacturing
Explore more Arrow
Envirotech Online
Uncounted emissions in wastewater expose a gap in monitoring practice
Explore more Arrow
Pollution Solutions Online
Energy efficiency first: Why shipping must act now while low-GHG fuels scale
Explore more Arrow
Chromatography Today
Affordable liquid chromatography solvent delivery pump
Explore more Arrow