Dad of two dies a week after explosion ripped through home

A dad-of-two has sadly died a week after a blaze tore through his home earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to a property in Longridge, Lancashire on September 1, after a blast injured three people.

Robert Fenwick, in his 40s, sustained serious injuries. In an update issued today, his sister Emma has confirmed that he died from his injuries.

She wrote on social media: ‘It’s with sad news that we inform you Robert Anthony Fenwick passed away peacefully yesterday in hospital, with his family round him.

‘We would appreciate this next few days for his immediate family to process this and have the time needed. Especially considering his two young children and mother who now need to come to terms with his passing.’

Neighbours had described hearing a ‘gut wrenching bang’ which rocked the houses in neighbouring streets.

One woman said ‘it was so loud I thought it had come from my own house’.

A cordon was put up around the house and residents reported windows in neighbouring properties had also been damaged in the explosion.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said after the explosion: ‘Emergency services have attended and found a man with serious burn injuries. He was already out of the property when our officers arrived.

‘He has been taken to hospital in a critical condition. Two other people have suffered minor injuries.

‘A joint investigation will be launched in due course with our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause and circumstances that led the suspected gas explosion.

‘We are also working with other partners at the scene, including the local authority, the North West Ambulance Service and Cadent.’

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