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Moment home explodes in fireball with debris flying through air leaving man dead

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Moment home explodes in fireball with debris flying through air leaving man dead
Moment home explodes in fireball with debris flying through air leaving man dead

CCTV has captured the moment an explosion ripped apart a property in Swansea, killing a 68-year-old man.

Brian Davies, 68, died following the blast in Morriston at about 11.20am on Monday.

Formal identification took place yesterday afternoon, and his family were being supported by specially trained officers, South Wales Police said.

Footage has now been shared on social media showing a sudden orange flash before the explosion, which sends smoke billowing into the sky and debris flying across the road.

A local postman, who is thought to have suffered burns and cuts to his face, can be seen fleeing from his van which is positioned outside the home.

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Moment home explodes in fireball with debris flying through air leaving man deadCCTV has captured the moment of the explosion in Swansea

The clip comes as tributes pour in for Mr Davies, who has been described locally as "very well liked" and "such a friendly person".

Sioned Williams, Member of the Senedd for the South Wales West region, said: "He apparently used to sit outside on the step and talk to people in the street.

"A lot of people knew him and liked him."

Detective Inspector Carl Price said: “Our thoughts remain with Brian’s family and friends, at what is a very difficult time for them, and those who have been injured following the explosion.

Moment home explodes in fireball with debris flying through air leaving man deadA sudden orange flash is seen before the explosion, which sends smoke billowing into the sky

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident, and these enquiries are being carried out in partnership with relevant agencies including the Health and Safety Executive.

"The patience and understanding of local residents on Clydach Road, and the wider community in Morriston, is very much appreciated while this work remains ongoing."

Andy Williams, who has lived on the street for 25 years, said: "He's only lived here for a couple of years but I knew him well.

"He's just a nice guy, a lovely guy, he's always outside chatting."

Moment home explodes in fireball with debris flying through air leaving man deadThe explosion sent a postman fleeing from his van

Mum and son Claire and Ethan were among the three people taken to hospital after being pulled from the rubble alive.

The third was reportedly a postman - who is seen in the blast footage.

Human remains discovered in pond next to hospital as police launch investigationHuman remains discovered in pond next to hospital as police launch investigation

Anthony Bennett, who returned to the scene of the blast today, said his 14-year-old son Ethan has already been discharged from hospital. But wife Claire is still receiving treatment.

Claire suffered six broken ribs and a "nasty gash" to her head, according to Anthony.

Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Swansea East, said the postman was sitting in his van when the blast happened and "unfortunately he got caught by some debris".

She added that the local sorting office said the postman had suffered burns and cuts to his face but is now home with his family.

Katie Weston

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