The grieving mother of a seven-year-old boy killed in a devastating flat explosion has spoken of the horrific moment she learned her son was gone. Archie York died in October 2024 when an illegal cannabis production lab blew up in Benwell, Newcastle.
A Family's Unimaginable Loss
Archie's parents, Katherine Errington, 28, and Robbie York, have now bravely detailed their son's story in a new document aimed at helping others spot the signs of so-called cannabis "shatter" factories. The blast, which also claimed the life of 35-year-old Jason Laws, was caused by a dangerous build-up of butane gas used in the production of drug-infused sweets.
Reece Galbraith was jailed for 14 years in June for his role in causing the explosion. Both men had been using the ground-floor flat in a 12-home block to manufacture illegal drugs.
The Night of the Explosion
Mum-of-two Katherine recalled the terrifying moments she woke to the disaster. "I just woke up to this large screech in my ear," she said. "As soon as I opened my eyes all I could see was darkness, it was awful, I kept going in and out of consciousness."
She and her baby son, Finley, were pulled from the rubble by her partner and a neighbour, but Archie was missing. "Then we got the information that they'd found Archie's body... he was gone," Katherine said. The couple were later forced to identify their son from dental records, photographs, and the pyjamas he had been wearing.
A Campaign to Save Lives
Katherine and Robbie are supporting a Newcastle City Council initiative to prevent similar tragedies. "Archie was a seven-year-old boy but he always helped everybody out and that's what I live for," Katherine added. "I want to help people like what Archie did... I don't want any family to go through what we have."
In the document, Katherine wrote of the aftermath: "I can still smell the burning, still feel the panic and desperation. For hours I didn't know where my son was. I clung to hope. I begged God to let him be okay but later in the hospital... we were told the truth, Archie was gone."
Robbie expressed the family's enduring pain and anger. "As a family, we have to live through all of the Christmases and birthdays without our precious boy. He will be forever seven," he said. "To me those responsible murdered my boy... They had no thought for the risk they were putting our children at while their children slept safely at other addresses."
How to Spot an Illegal 'Shatter' Lab
The council document, backed by Archie's parents, lists crucial signs that a property may be used for dangerous drug production. The public is urged to be vigilant and report suspicions to the police.
Key warning signs include:
- Strong Chemical Smells: A distinct odour of solvents like butane or propane.
- Unusual Ventilation: Covered windows, constantly running fans, or makeshift ducting.
- Excessive Supplies: Large deliveries and storage of butane canisters or propane tanks.
- Electrical Modifications: Heavy use of extension cords, unusual wiring, or abnormally high electricity usage.
- Suspicious Activity: Frequent visitors at odd hours, day and night.
- Discarded Materials: Empty chemical containers, solvent cans, or cannabis waste outside a property.
Councillor Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, praised the couple's courage. “By telling Archie’s story, we hope to shine a light on the dangers of drug production and the devastating impact it can have on lives and communities," she said. "Awareness and vigilance truly can save lives."
