A 91-year-old man has tragically died in a bungalow garage fire in Selston, Nottinghamshire, after neighbours reported hearing loud explosions. Emergency services rushed to the scene at 7:18 pm on Saturday, where the victim's body was discovered among the wreckage.
Evacuations and Road Closures
Local residents were evacuated from their homes as fire crews and police officers worked to contain the blaze. Two road closures were implemented but have since been lifted. The fire was brought under control by approximately 9:50 pm, with one crew remaining at the scene overnight to monitor for any flare-ups.
Investigation Underway
Nottinghamshire Police continue to investigate the cause of the explosion and have confirmed that they are treating it as an isolated incident. Detective Sergeant Millie Gillett stated: "This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the man's family at this difficult time. They continue to be supported by our officers. There is no indication at this stage of any wider threat to the public."
Witness Accounts
Resident Faye Sturgess described the explosion as unlike anything she had ever heard. "Being a farming community, we're used to hearing bangs from scaring the rabbits in the fields, but this was like nothing I've ever heard," she told the BBC. After hearing what she described as "the loudest thing I've ever heard," she rushed to the scene to assist.
Emergency Response
Group Manager Jonathan Holford of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service expressed condolences: "On behalf of everyone at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the man's family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident. Our crews worked alongside partner agencies throughout the incident, and we would also like to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation while emergency services carried out their work."
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
