Whitehaven homes damaged in New Year's Eve gas explosion are set to be demolished

Two Cumbrian homes which were damaged following a gas explosion are set to be demolished.

The incident happened on Hugh Street, Whitehaven, just after 4:20pm on 31 December 2024.

A couple in their 70s and along with their daughter, who is in her 50s, were treated in hospital following the blast. A number of animals were also rescued by officers.

Cumberland Council say clearing vehicles from the area, debris from the footpaths and carriageway took place across the weekend on 4 and 5 January 2025. A structural assessment of the affected buildings has also been completed.

Karl Melville, from Cumberland Council, said: "It doesn't get much worse than this. They've left those properties on New Year's Eve with what they had on them in regards to clothes and nothing else.

"Those properties are full of personal belongings so we're going to work very closely with the family, and other contractors to try and get as much as we can out of those properties for those people."

There will be a full demolition of number 28 Hugh Street and a partial demolition of 27 Hugh Street.

The council say they will support residents in returning to their homes "when safe to do so". The area remains cordoned off while the work gets underway.

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