Rodents triggered fatal gas blast

An explosion which destroyed a Tyneside house, killing an 80-year-old woman, was caused by rodents gnawing through gas pipes, an inquest has heard.

Moira Dickson died in the blast at Grey Street, North Shields, in May 2006. Her partner suffered serious burns.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found a hole in the oven's gas pipe was consistent with the scrape and gnaw marks of rats or mice.

North Tyneside coroner Eric Armstrong recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Surrounding homes were evacuated when the blast ripped through the council-owned property, which Ms Dickson shared with 65-year-old Joe Cairns.

Two houses in the row of terraces were subsequently demolished.

Natural History Museum

Checks on gas mains initially uncovered no leaks, but a section of lead pipe was later found to have been damaged.

An HSE spokeswoman said: "Our investigation suggests that rodents were responsible for gnawing a hole in the pipe leading to the hob in the kitchen.

The cause of the blast was 'extremely unusual', said the HSE

"We sent the section of pipe and surrounding floorboards to be examined by an HSE metallurgist, who contacted the Natural History Museum and asked to see examples of gnawed pipes.

"The metallurgist confirmed the scrape and gnaw marks are consistent with rats or mice."

The HSE urged gas customers not to worry and said the explosion was an "extremely unusual occurrence".

Anyone who smells gas in their home should contact their supplier immediately, the spokeswoman added.

North Tyneside Council, which owned the property, said in a statement: "The coroner has confirmed this was a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the family at this time.

"The hearing confirmed that there was nothing more North Tyneside Council could have done either as a landlord or in the interest of community health."