Tragedy as dad dies a week after huge explosion tears through home

A dad-of-two has sadly died a week after a blaze tore through his home, according to his family.

Emergency services were called to a property in Longridge, Lancashire just after after 10.30am on Sunday (September 1). Three people were injured in the blast.

Robert Fenwick, in his 40s, sustained serious injuries. In a tragic update issued today, his sister Emma has confirmed that he has sadly passed away, reports LancsLive.

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She wrote on social media: "It's with sad news that we inform you Robert Anthony Fenwick passed away peacefully yesterday in hospital, with his family round him.

"We would appreciate this next few days for his immediate family to process this and have the time needed. Especially considering his two young children and mother who now need to come to terms with his passing."

Neighbours had described hearing a 'gut wrenching bang' which rocked the houses in neighbouring streets. One woman said 'it was so loud I thought it had come from my own house'.

A cordon was put up around the house and residents reported windows in neighbouring properties had also been damaged in the explosion.

Emma had released a previous statement apologising to residents of Wheatley Drive, writing: "Me and my brother are at RPH currently with him. We are so sorry for the street and the residents." She praised emergency services in a separate post shared after the blast, calling the team at Royal Preston Hospital "fantastic".

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said after the explosion: "Emergency services have attended and found a man with serious burn injuries. He was already out of the property when our officers arrived.

"He has been taken to hospital in a critical