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Newark death explosion caused by DIY work, inquest hears | |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Two people were killed when fumes from DIY work built up and caused an explosion, an inquest has heard. | |
Leslie Rourke, 71, is thought to have used at least 12 cans of inflammable foam to treat damp in a confined cellar at a home in Newark, Nottinghamshire. | |
The fumes were ignited by either a cellar light or freezer motor, killing Mr Rourke and his daughter-in-law Jeanette Rourke, 40, on 19 May. | |
A coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death. | |
'Not a clue' | |
The victims' family said in a statement after the inquest: "Both Les and Jeanette are missed daily by us all and we will never forget them. | |
"The family is relieved that this is all over and are pleased with the verdict." | |
Nicholas Rourke, son of Mr Rourke and wife of Mrs Rourke, was injured in the explosion and pulled out by rescuers. | |
Giving evidence at the inquest in Nottingham, he said the expandable foam was labelled inflammable but not explosive. | |
They had bought 18 cans of it to fill up the coal chute in the cellar to get rid of damp, he said. | |
Mr Rourke said the cellar door and other windows in the house had been left open to provide ventilation while his father did the work. | |
He said that he "did not have a clue" what had happened in the moments after the blast, but did remember being carried across the street by people who pulled him out of the rubble. | |
He was treated at hospital for a broken chin and facial cuts. | |
A woman and two children were also treated for smoke inhalation, and several people had to move because their homes were damaged. | |
The statement from the victims' family added: "We would also like to thank the committee formed after the disaster for their support to everyone affected by this unbelievable tragedy. | |
"Nick would also like to thank the kind and brave people who helped him out of the rubble." |