Middleton Man Injured in Home ‘Gas’ Explosion

Ruined home of Charles Cook

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A Middleton man has been admitted to a special burns unit in Wakefield, after a horrific gas explosion at his home on Home Drive in the early hours of Friday 16 September. 52 year old Charles Cook was alone in his house when the incident occurred, and is now being treated for burns and for smoke inhalation.

He was taken to North Manchester General hospital for emergency medical treatment, and was later transferred to a burns unit in Wakefield. A number of residents on Home Drive were evacuated following the explosion but subsequently returned to their homes after the completion of safety checks by fire and utilities services.

Police and fire officers remain at the scene and Home Drive, which is a cul-de-sac, remains inaccessible to motorists due to emergency vehicles.

The house has suffered extensive damage and will be assessed by a building inspector later this morning. The occupants of the adjoining house have not yet been allowed back into their home.

Mrs Slattery, a neighbour of Charles said: “We were in bed when we heard a very loud bang. I was half asleep and immediately assumed that someone was breaking into the house. I got up to find that all the neighbours were outside in their dressing gowns and Charles’ house was in pieces."

She added: “It’s like his whole life has been tipped out into the garden, everything he owns is in bits. I can only imagine what he must be going through.”

“What’s worse, that house has been in the family for years. His parents owned it and left it to him, it had great sentimental value. It’s such a terrible shame."

"Sheila who lives next door is devastated; she obviously feels for Charles, plus  it’s quite possible that she will be evacuated from her home as it is attached to it. She has only just done it all up.”

It is believed the cause of the damage was a gas explosion. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

Mr. Cook  is currently in the intensive care unit and his condition is described as poor.