SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS ONLY CAPTURED FOR 5 SECONDS… THEN THE HOUSE EXPLODED: Neighbor Derek Poole, 91, who died after a massive explosion ripped through his Nottinghamshire home, said the blast blew curtains out into the street and shattered windows in six nearby houses —but a three-second scream on CCTV completely exposed it
HORROR BLAST
Man, 91, killed in house explosion is pictured as cops launch urgent probe into huge fire
A PENSIONER who died after a blaze erupted following an explosion in a bungalow has been pictured – as cops launch an urgent probe.
Derek Poole, 91, was discovered dead after the fire broke out at his home in Selston, Nottinghamshire, yesterday evening.
Derek Poole, 91, was discovered dead after the fire broke out at his homeCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
The body of 91-year-old man was discovered in the wreckageCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Cops have launched an investigation after the “much loved” great-grandfather’s body was discovered in the wreckage.
Emergency crews were scrambled following reports of the fire in Church Lane at around 7.20pm.
Cordons were put in place and roads in the area were closed as fire crews from across the region battled the flames.
Locals were also evacuated and told to avoid the area as smoke billowed across the village.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police later discovered the pensioner’s body in the property.
Despite their best efforts, the man was tragically declared dead at the scene, the force confirmed.
Derek’s heartbroken family believe he had gone into his workshop when the explosion occurred.
The great-grandad was a motorhead and was well known in the area, where he had lived for four decades, his relatives told the BBC.
An investigation has been launched following his deathCredit: Notts999Fire Photography
Fire crews from across the region battled the flamesCredit: Notts999Fire Photography
Neighbours described hearing the “loudest thing I’ve ever heard” after the fire broke out.
Faye Sturgess said: “Being a farming community, we’re used to hearing bangs from scaring the rabbits in the fields.
“But this was like nothing I’ve ever heard. There were lots of people out, elderly neighbours were, we assumed, being evacuated.
“Everyone was quite scared.”
The blaze was brought under control just before 10pm, with a joint fire and police investigation now underway.
Det Sgt Millie Gillett said: “This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this difficult time.
“They continue to be supported by our officers.
“There is no indication at this stage of any wider threat to the public, and it’s being treated as an isolated incident.
“I would also like to acknowledge the cooperation of local residents and thank them for their patience.”
Crews from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the fire yesterday evening.
Group Manager Jonathan Holford said: “We would like to express our sincere condolences to the man’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragic incident.
“Our crews worked alongside partner agencies throughout the incident.
“We would also like to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation while emergency services carried out their work.”
