Residents' fury at gas company following Thornton Heath explosion that killed four-year-old Sahara

Published date12 August 2022
Sahara Salman was killed and two others remain in hospital after the blast, which happened in Thornton Heath shortly after 7am on Monday. At a community meeting in South Lodge Avenue, Mitcham, residents said that at least 18 calls were made from Galpin’s Road, where the blast took place, to gas firm SGN about the smell of gas in the days and weeks leading up to the explosion

Martin Holloway, executive operations director for SGN, told some 100 residents in the local community centre the firm was “shocked and saddened” about the death of Sahara. Mr Holloway said: “We send our sincere condolences to her family and the other residents who’ve been injured and affected are absolutely in our thoughts. We really understand the impact that this has had on the local community and we’ve been here on the ground this week working with Merton Council to provide support and assistance.

“I’d also like to assure you that we’re all working very closely with the investigators, with the police and Health and Safety Executive to understand exactly what led to the explosion on Monday. Whilst I appreciate it is frustrating given the ongoing police investigation, I’m unable to talk about what happened in the run-up to the explosion. I know that’s difficult because people want answers about what’s happening.”

Residents began shouting at Mr Holloway, who had to stop speaking. Two residents walked out of the meeting while shouting at the company representative, with one describing the investigation as a “whitewash”. One resident said the company had “blood on their hands”, while another demanded answers, as “houses don’t just blow up”.

Thursday evening’s meeting marked the first time that a representative from SGN had come to speak to residents caught up in the blast. Mr Holloway appeared alongside local MP Siobhain McDonagh, leader of Merton Council Ross Garrod and Inspector Barrie Capper from the Metropolitan Police.

One man who lived on Galpin’s Road told Mr Holloway: “A little girl lost her life because of you lot taking your time, and how many people have been telling you that there’s been a problem.”

Mr Holloway confirmed that “the entire history, both electronic and paper” of all the work carried out by SGN on Galpin’s Road would be available to the police for their investigation. He added that the company would also make a “voluntary goodwill contribution” to the local council following the blast.

Residents were told by SGN that the road “would be safe from a gas...

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