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Newark deaths: Inflammable foam 'used before house explosion' Newark death explosion caused by DIY work, inquest hears
(about 9 hours later)
A man whose wife and father were killed in a house explosion has told an inquest inflammable foam was being used in a DIY job in his cellar at the time. Two people were killed when fumes from DIY work built up and caused an explosion, an inquest has heard.
Nicholas Rourke said the explosion happened as he was walking to the door of his Nottinghamshire house in May. 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.
Jeanette and Leslie Rourke died in the blast in Wright Street, Newark. 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.
Mr Rourke told Nottingham Coroner's Court the foam, which was being used by his father, was labelled inflammable but not explosive. A coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.
He said his father had come to the house to help fit a central heating system. 'Not a clue'
The inquest heard the 71-year-old had been filling up an old coal chute with the expanding foam to treat damp in the cellar. 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.
Mr Rourke said the cellar door and other windows in the house had been left open to provide ventilation. "The family is relieved that this is all over and are pleased with the verdict."
He added that the instructions for the foam said it was inflammable but not explosive. Nicholas Rourke, son of Mr Rourke and wife of Mrs Rourke, was injured in the explosion and pulled out by rescuers.
He said that he "did not have as 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. Giving evidence at the inquest in Nottingham, he said the expandable foam was labelled inflammable but not explosive.
He suffered cuts to his face and needed hospital treatment. They had bought 18 cans of it to fill up the coal chute in the cellar to get rid of damp, he said.
The inquest continues. 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."