Furious residents tell SGN gas bosses they have "blood on their hands" about the terrifying blast that killed the girl

Residents forced to evacuate their homes after the deadly explosion that killed a 4-year-old girl told their local gas supplier: "I have blood on my hands."

Sahara Salman said Monday morning at 5 in an explosion at her heath in Thornton, south of London. She died just one month before her 19th birthday.

At a community meeting in Mitcham last night, neighbors said Southern Gas Network (SGN) had received at least 18 calls in the past few days and weeks,Galpins Road. 12} got a call about the smell of gas. until the explosion.

SGN Executive Operations Director Martin Holloway told an audience of about 100 that the company was "shocked and saddened" by the death of the youth.

. I know it's frustrating given the ongoing police investigation, but I can't speak to what happened just before the explosion. I know it's difficult because people are asking for answers about the }

Two residents walked out of the meeting shouting at company representatives.

One said the company had "blood on his hands" and another asked for an answer that "houses don't just blow up".

Thursday night The meeting was the first time that someone from SGN had been present.・ Capper police department.

A man on Galpins Road told Mr Holloway:

Mr Holloway confirmed that "a complete history, both electronic and paper," of all work SGN has done on the road is available for police investigations.

He also added that the company would make a "voluntary philanthropic donation" to the local council after the explosion. It will be safe from tomorrow,” and those within the outer cordon will be able to return to their homes from Friday, subject to approval. From your Health and Safety Officer (HSE).

AJ Sowe, who lived six doors away from the blast and whose patio door was blown off by the blast, said Gas was unhappy with the response from his network.

He had been evacuated on Tuesday after a cordon was extended due to concerns over safety and

Houses are not just blown up.

He said: "I came here expecting concrete answers about what happened and what will happen in the future." 51}

"And what I was given was the lack of confidence I already had at SGN that they allowed 18 complaints to go unheard and then resolved this issue. allowed employees to go out for three and a half weeks without

He expressed anger that a gas worker was "smiling a little" and "sharing popsicles" at the site on Tuesday while he and several other residents waited outside. did.

Keri, who wanted only his name to be known, stood up and told the panel that he was only given £40 while his family of seven was staying. rice field.

She exclaimed: "I called the gas company myself; I called them and you know what the woman told me." "Oh, we know that, honey, just be patient."

"I woke up at 5:30 that morning. I smelled gas. I smelled the smell of burning oil.

''And I got into a taxi.

She added: "I will."

"Me and my family will be here on Tuesday."

'FOBBED OFF'

The meeting began with a minute's silence over the Sahara, where Ms McDonagh said: I shared a message from Sahara's mother, Sana Ahmad, who was not present at Thursday's meeting. She was "thinking of you and thinking of you as family."

She previously accused the SGN of ignoring the concerns of local residents.

An NHS receptionist told the Evening Standard that she had reported smelling gas to the utility company 10 days before the explosion, but her concerns were relieved and no follow-up examinations were conducted. she said.

Her neighbor, Delroy Sims, agreed that they had been "cheated", adding: "The gas had been smelling for a week and I already knew what it was. It was very strong and gave me a headache.

"My neighbor said I called him [gas engineer] all week.”

At about 7:00 am on August 8, a blast destroyed the family's terraced house.

Sahara

More than 100 people have been evacuated from the area. A gas explosion was confirmed by Merton Council to be the cause.

An SGN spokesperson said:

"Our engineers We are assisting emergency services with an investigation to determine the cause.

"We are on site and have been in contact with Merton Council to provide support and assistance.

"Due to the ongoing police investigation, we are unable to comment further at this time."