Serious house explosion was 'accidental'

Emergency services have determined the cause of an explosion that killed one woman and injured two men.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Leicestershire Police said the blast was accidental and no criminal investigation will take place.

A property on Allington Drive, Birstall collapsed and another was completely destroyed on Monday (11 December). Around 50 other houses on the road were also damaged, with many residents forced to leave their homes over Christmas.

The road has been reopened but police officers will remain at the scene to reassure local residents who have been affected by the incident.

The explosion is attributed to a 'catastrophic failure' of an internal gas pipe joint, in the floor of the property, and the escaping gas being ignited by a cooker spark generator switch.

A forensic investigation is now underway by the Health and Safety Executive to identify what caused the failure of the internal gas pipe.