Northern Gas Networks Ltd were recently sentenced for safety breaches after a fatal fire and gas explosion accident at a residential premises in Mirfield.
Leeds Crown Court heard that, on 11 February 2019, West Yorkshire Fire service attended a fire and explosion in Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, West Yorks. They discovered the occupier during a search of the property whilst it was still on fire. She unfortunately died the following morning in Pinderfields General Hospital.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the source of the gas escape was a fractured six inch cast iron main running under the carriageway to the front of the property. The investigation found that the main did not appear on Northern Gas Networks drawings. Therefore, they had not maintained it in accordance with the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996.
Northern Gas Networks Ltd of Thorpe Business Park, Colton, Leeds pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company paid a fine of £5 million and costs of £91,487.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Neil Casey said: “This incident, that put the lives of the elderly residents of a care home at risk and cost a homeowner her life, has highlighted a failure by Northern Gas Networks Limited to follow their own safety procedures, in this case requiring the prompt and effective investigation and correction of anomalies in their records. Other gas network operators should take the opportunity to learn from this tragic incident.”
Fatal Accidents
Losing someone you love in a fatal accident can be devastating emotionally. It can also affect you economically if you were financially dependent on the deceased. During this difficult time, compensation may be available to help families deal with their changing circumstances.
Pursuing compensation in fatal accident claims can be complex and time-consuming during what undoubtedly is a very distressing time for the family. We understand this and use our experience and dedication to process your claim as quickly and compassionately as possible.
Fatal accident claims differ from other types of personal injury compensation claims because there are two routes to compensation. Put simply, you can make a claim for fatal accident compensation if you are either:
- Executor for the “estate” of the deceased for the losses suffered by the deceased during his lifetime
- One of the dependants of the deceased under the Fatal Accident Act 1976.
Often these groups of people are the same. They are usually the spouse, children and/or parents of the deceased.
How we can help with fatal gas explosion accidents
Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with personal injury claims. This includes fatal gas explosions. Contact us today by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 01614138765 to speak to one of our friendly experts.