According to the Cadent gas distribution network, the gas networks and service pipes in the area are “loud”. The “thorough search” of the staff comes after the widow Frank Burton, 91, was found dead at his home after the explosion on Brownley Road in Wythenshawe on March 31.
READ MORE:Police release investigation briefing after tragic house bombing that killed 91-year-old Frank Burton
Emergency services arrived after reports of a fire and explosion at Brownley Road around 6:30 p.m. Unfortunately, a man – believed to be around 90 – was found dead inside a property.
Greater Manchester police had suggested there were reports of a gas explosion. However, in a new statement issued around 3.30 pm today, April 1, the force stressed that the cause has not yet been determined and that investigations are still at an early stage. Several houses were evacuated and the tent was secured at around 20:00. Greater Manchester Police Chiefs have now asked anyone with information about the blast, adding that they believe it is a “limited incident”.
Frank Burton died in an explosion at his home in Wythenshawe (Image: Provided)
Cadent managed the gas pipes that pass underground, transporting gas to real estate. It’s also the gas emergency service – with engineers on hand to respond to any emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether it’s connected to the Cadent network or something inside a property, not part of it network.
Mark Berry, Head of Customer Operations, Cadent, said: “As a gas emergency service, we have supported the emergency response to what happened in Wythenshawe. Everyone at Cadent’s thoughts are with those affected by this.
“After a thorough investigation, we can confirm that the gas pipelines and service pipes in the area are intact and did not contribute to or cause the incident on Brownley Road. The matter is now in other services for further investigation.
Cadent staff on the spot (Picture: PA)
“We would also like to remind people that if you ever smell gas, indoors or outdoors, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 * immediately, day or night. “Our team is available 24/7, 365 days a year to respond quickly to emergencies.”
Frank Burton’s family paid tribute to him on stage this morning as investigations continued, calling him a “character and a good kid.” His brother, Philip, said he feared his brother – a father of two – could buy a device to “help with the cold while waiting for energy bills to rise” – and that it might have triggered the explosion.
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In a briefing this afternoon, Friday, April 1, Detective Inspector Matthew Dixon of GMP Manchester City said: “First of all, my thoughts are with the family of the deceased.
Frank Burton (right) with his brothers Norman (center) and Philip (left) (Image: Provided)
“Although we believe the deceased was a resident of the house, it has not yet been officially identified. His family has been informed and supported by specialist officers.
“Our investigations with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Health and Safety are at an early stage as we try to determine the cause of the explosion.
Gas panel staff investigate the incident (Image: PA)
“It is believed that this was an independent incident and there is no danger to the surrounding properties. I would like to thank the people living on Brownley Road and the surrounding community for their patience on a very difficult night.
“Many families were displaced last night, but are returning to their homes today and the property has not been damaged. Anyone with information about the incident should call the police at 101 citing calendar 2418 of 31/03/2022.”
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Burton’s brother said he believed the explosion could have been caused by a new device. He said: “The explosion is typical of natural gas. Whether it is natural gas, or if it had something to do with the cold and expecting an increase in energy, it could have bought something.”
A device may have been on and could have exploded Manchester Evening News understands, although this has not been confirmed by officials. Workers, firefighters and police remained at the home this afternoon.
Emergency services at the scene after the explosion (Image: MEN MEDIA)
Mark Threader, the mayor of Manchester for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and Mark Dixon, a detective inspector at the GMP, both spoke from the scene and said investigations were in the early stages.
“As things stand at the moment, we are in the process of making the facility safe so that we can conduct investigations. GMFRS, GMP and Cadent gas are working closely together to try to find out what caused the incident,” said Threader.
A major incident was declared for a short time last night before he retired from the emergency services. A large fence was erected on Brownley Road as some residents were evacuated from their homes.
Firefighter rushed to the explosion (Image: MEN MEDIA)
At the scene, DI Dixon added that he was informed by the fire service that the incident was “isolated”. He said: “This was especially the case with these facilities and there is no greater risk for other properties. We are keeping an open mind and exploring all lines of inquiry.”
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