Swansea ‘gas’ blast: Moment postman narrowly avoid huge home explosion which killed a resident

Shocking footage shows the moment a postman narrowly avoided a huge explosion which killed a resident and injured others when he drove past a house. 

Nearby CCTV footage captured the postman as he drove down a quiet street in Swansea before stopping outside the home which was suddenly destroyed by the tragic blast.  

Although his Royal Mail van was covered with debris, he miraculously appeared to escape largely unharmed and ran out of the van after the blast.

The explosion is thought to have been caused by a gas blast, and killed resident Brian Davies, 68. 

A white van which was also on the road at the time can be seen in the footage, but the driver was far enough away from the blast to avoid injury. 

Locals described the aftermath of the blast as ‘a warzone’ and several neighbours were injured

Other locals nearby are also reported to have been injured. 

One witness said: ‘That postman was very unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time – but at the same time very lucky to be alive.’

The postman, who has not been named, was taken to Morriston Hospital, Swansea, and was treated for shock and minor injuries but was released home hours later.

Neighbours say at least 20 homes were damaged as the suspected gas blast left the terraced street looking like ‘a warzone’ with debris strewn across the road – with the blast heard five miles away. 

Neighbour Claire Griffiths, 49, and her son Ethan, 14, were treated in hospital for injuries and shock.

Detective Inspector Carl Price said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Brian’s family and friends, at what is a very difficult time for them, and those who have been injured following the explosion.

‘Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident, and these enquiries are being carried out in partnership with relevant agencies including the Health and Safety Executive.

Bulldozers clear rubble away from the site of the blast which killed resident Brian Davies, 68

Pictured yesterday: One of the properties destroyed after a suspected gas explosion in the Morriston area of Swansea

An investigation will now get underway to establish the cause of the incident

Bulldozers clear the rubble yesterday after properties were destroyed in a suspected gas explosion

‘The patience and understanding of local residents on Clydach Road, and the wider community in Morriston, is very much appreciated while this work remains ongoing.’

Tributes were paid to Mr Davies, who was described as pleasant and chatty after moving to the friendly street more than two years ago.

An investigation is underway to establish the cause of the incident, and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed. 

Teams of gas engineers have been on the scene since Monday afternoon but the cause is yet to be determined.

Police have said that two properties were extensively damaged and other neighbouring properties were also affected. 

Last night, the number of households unable to return home due to structural damage, roads being blocked by debris and concerns over the safety of the gas main was reduced from over 200 to less than 30.