Gas fitter charged over blast

AN Oldham firm was a sub-contractor involved when a huge gas blast flattened three homes and damaged hundreds more in Salford. The explosion in Irlam in November, 2010, injured 10 adults and five children and left pensioner Marie Burns fighting for her life.

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed it is prosecuting gas fitter Paul Kay (29), of Slater Street, Latchford, Warrington, following a 15-month probe.

He has been charged with failing to ensure a gas fitting was properly supported and protected under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations at Mrs Burns's home.

Kay is due to appear at Trafford Magistrates’ Court on June 15, said the HSE.

Self-employed Kay was hired by Hill End Plumbing and Heating Ltd, of Oldham, but no longer works for the firm, which has since changed its name.

Hill End was a sub-contractor of Bolton-based G&J Seddon, the main contractors used by City West Housing Trust for refitting kitchens on the estate at the time. No other individual or company is to be prosecuted.

Mr Kay had done work at Mrs Burns’s home in Merlin Road the day before the blast. Mrs Burns was thrown into the front garden by the impact and suffered 52 per cent burns, while residents from 200 homes had to be rehoused.