Gas mains and pipes 'did not contribute to or cause' Wythenshawe house blast that killed 91-year-old, says board

The gas mains and pipes 'did not contribute to or cause' the house explosion which killed a 91-year-old in Wythenshawe last night, the gas network has found. Gas board, Cadent, has revealed the conclusions of its checks in the wake of the blast which saw the death of Frank Burton in his home.

The gas mains and service pipes in the area are 'sound', according to gas distribution network Cadent. Staff's 'thorough investigation' comes after widower Frank Burton, 91, was found dead in his home after the blast in Brownley Road, Wythenshawe, on March 31.

READ MORE:Police issue investigation update following tragic house explosion which killed Frank Burton, 91

Emergency services attended after reports of a fire and explosion at the house on Brownley Road at about 6.30pm. Sadly, a man - believed to be in his 90s - was then located deceased inside a property.

Greater Manchester Police had suggested that there were reports of a gas explosion. However, in a new statement issued at around 3.30pm today, April 1, the force has emphasised that the cause is yet to be determined and that investigations are still in their early stages. A number of houses were evacuated and the scene made safe at about 8pm. Greater Manchester Police bosses have now appealed for anyone with information about the blast to come forward, adding that they believe it to be a 'contained incident'.

Cadent managed the gas pipes that run underground, carrying gas to properties. It is also the gas emergency service – with engineers are on standby to respond to any emergency 24/7, whether that’s something connected to the Cadent network or something inside a property, not part of the network.

Mark Berry, Head of Customer Operations, Cadent, said: “As the gas