Inquest unable to determine cause of fatal Morriston gas blast

The 68‑year‑old grandfather died from chest and neck injuries when his home on Clydach Road was destroyed in a blast on 13 March 2023, sending debris across the road and into nearby streets.

A week‑long inquest at Swansea Guildhall concluded Mr Davies died in an explosion, but the cause could not be established because key evidence from the scene was “compromised and incomplete”.

Senior coroner Aled Wyn Gruffydd apologised to the family for being unable to provide a clear explanation.

Family say they were “let down”

During proceedings, Mr Davies’ son Ricky told the court the family believed “major mistakes” had been made in the investigation, and that they had been “massively let down” by the loss of crucial evidence.

“We hope that harsh lessons have been learned and others don’t have to endure the heartache we have had to face,” he said.

Gas network ruled out

Wales and West Utilities, which maintains the gas network in the area, was represented at the inquest alongside the Health and Safety Executive.

Company representative Harry Lambert told the hearing the police had “absolute” responsibility for gathering evidence at the scene, and said there was “no evidence at all that the mains were the cause of the gas explosion”.

Background

Mr Davies, who worked in the construction industry, had rented the one‑bedroom end‑of‑terrace property for around four years before his death.

Earlier in the inquest, the jury heard from a neighbour who reported smelling gas in the weeks before the blast, and from the family, who criticised the handling of the investigation.

You can read our previous coverage here:

• Neighbour smelt gas weeks before fatal Morriston blast
• Family say “massive mistakes” led to loss of key evidence

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