Swansea fatal gas explosion left scene looking ‘like warzone’

The body of a man killed in a gas explosion was found after a six-hour search through rubble that was “like a warzone”, an inquest has heard.

Brian Davies, 68, was killed in the explosion on 13 March 2023 at his home on Clydach Road, Morriston, Swansea.

Three other people, including a 14-year-old boy, were taken to hospital.

On the second day of the inquest at Swansea Guildhall, the jury heard a digger was used to remove rubble from the scene so emergency services could reach Mr Davies.

Mr Davies’ body was found resting on a washing machine, said Det Sgt Grant Phillips of South Wales Police (SWP).

A pathologist report concluded he died from chest and neck injuries.

A gas boiler, cooker and meter were recovered and preserved for examination by police, the jury heard, while tonnes of debris were taken to a recycling centre.

“It was horrible weather that day,” said Det Con Stuart Alban from SWP.

“Working in a safe environment means the rubble would have been taken away.”

Det Con Alban told the coroner lessons had been learned after the incident, including the need for “better communication between all parties at the scene”.

A division group manager from Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service told the jury the smell of gas had been detected in the area after the blast, but there was no evidence to indicate the exact location of the explosion.

“The house was completely destroyed,” Andrew Davies said.

Toxicology screening found the presence of an antidepressant drug, the jury heard, but Coroner Aled Gruffydd said there was “no indication that it played any role in the medical cause of death”.

The inquest continues.