Dozens of people spent the night away from home, unsure if a fatal gas explosion had destroyed their apartments.
Monday at approximately 09:30 BST, 20 flats in Redwood Grove, Bedford, were engulfed in flames after an explosion. One person was killed and three others were injured.
One neighbour stated that he believed he had lost everything he owned in his destroyed apartment.
As crews continue to search the scene, Bedfordshire Police has stated that additional bodies could be discovered in the coming days.
The fire department stated that an investigation was underway and that more information would become available in the coming days.
Jas, a resident of the affected building, reported hearing a “massive explosion” while sitting on his sofa.
“I thought it was an earthquake, but when I went to investigate, the door was off its hinges, the attic was split in half, and the roof had caved in,” he explained.
People were jumping out of windows, someone had collapsed in the hallway, and thick smoke and flames were everywhere.
Cornelia, Jas’s daughter, reported that his entire apartment was “gone.”
She stated, “Everything he owned was in there.”
“It is his entire life and all of his belongings.
It has been extremely traumatic.
Lauren Townsend and her young daughter were in their apartment in the adjacent building when the explosion occurred.
The young adult stated: “I just heard an explosion, felt the apartment shake, and then heard my neighbours screaming about a fire.
“It appeared to be in our building, so I panicked, roused my daughter from her bed, let the dog out, and began banging on doors to get everyone out.”
Ms. Townsend stated that she had been awaiting a conversation with the council about where she and her family could stay as they were unable to return home.
“Everything is in there, including mine and my daughter’s diapers, wipes, and milk,” she stated.
Obviously, you can find that in stores, but she also has all of her comforts, toys, and clothing.
Ms. Townsend described the occurrence as “shocking.”
It’s insane to consider how close to home it was and that it could have been us,” she said.
Another resident who wished to remain anonymous stated that she and her husband were on their way to Wales when they received the call about the explosion.
The couple stated that they did not know how severely their home had been damaged, but that they were “in a better situation than some people” because they had brought clothing and toiletries with them on vacation.
She said, “When I saw the aerial photograph, I immediately burst into tears.”
“All I could think was ‘thank God we weren’t inside’.”
The couple stated that they were “fortunate” to be able to stay with family nearby, but they hoped to return at some point to “collect sentimental items.”
