The inquest into the death of Mr David Howard, who tragically died following a house explosion in April 2025, concluded earlier this week (30 March) at Nottingham Coroner’s Court.
On 12 April 2025 at 7:39 pm, Joint Fire Control received reports of an explosion on John Street, Worksop. Crews from Clowne, Worksop, Warsop and Retford were mobilised to the incident.
Firefighters established voice contact with the occupant, later confirmed as Mr David Howard, who was trapped beneath substantial debris. Crews undertook sustained efforts to remove the debris and reach Mr Howard. Despite these efforts, Mr Howard was pronounced deceased at the scene by East Midlands Ambulance Service.
Assistant Coroner for Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, Mr Hartley, stated: “On 12 April 2025, David received a letter informing him his rent was due to increase. On the same day, he visited friends and informed them he was depressed; he also said he was very upset by the fact that his rent was to be increased.
“After around 3 pm, David was inside his home address with others who left the property, and David locked the door. Friends attempted to speak with David, but he did not want to engage with them.
“At shortly after 7:30 pm, the house exploded.
“Rescue crews attempted to find David and rescue him. He was able to communicate with crews for some time, but sadly died whilst still trapped under the debris from the explosion.
“David Howard had a history of mental health issues and substance misuse. At the time of his death, there was evidence of illicit heroin and cocaine use that may have resulted in mild cognitive impairment, and a low level of alcohol that may have had a small additive effect on cognitive changes.
“A post-mortem revealed that David probably died from positional asphyxia.
“A subsequent joint investigation by the police, Health and Safety Executive and fire service revealed that the explosion most likely occurred from the ignition of gas at the property, which occurred at ground floor level due to the manner in which the debris was scattered.
“A review of the gas supply was conducted, and the meter and gas transportation system were all found to be safe. The source of the gas was likely from a gas hose connecting the gas supply to the cooker. This reinforced hose had been stretched from 900 mm to 1200 mm and had failed. The ignition point was probably the compressor on the fridge freezer, due to the fact the appliance moved away from the wall in the explosion.
“It is possible David did not appreciate the danger of the situation, and the fact that the gas could have been ignited by something else within the property. With that in mind, I do not find that David intended to end his own life when he did what he did. I find that David’s intentions cannot be established.”
Assistant Coroner Nathanael Hartley concluded that the cause of Mr Howard’s death was asphyxia.
Watch Manager and Fire Investigator Christopher Trendowicz added: “On behalf of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of David.
“This tragedy highlights the importance of ensuring that individuals have access to appropriate support when they are experiencing distress.”
