Roads and footpaths remain closed following explosion in Bedford

Roads will be closed for almost two weeks after an explosion and house fire killed two people.

Several roads and footpaths were closed at Cleat Hill on the outskirts of Bedford following the explosion on Saturday, October 19.

The area has been closed to traffic and drivers are asked to use marked alternative routes.

Bedfordshire Police and Fire Brigade and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said an investigation was continuing to establish the cause of the explosion.

Julia Harris, 84, was taken to hospital after the explosion and died on Tuesday, and Paul Swales, 85, died on the day of the explosion.

Residents were offered support through the Advisory and Support Center, temporary accommodation was found for 31 households, financial support was provided and a 24-hour hotline was launched.

Items were collected from 50 evacuated households, but some roads and sidewalks were closed to keep people safe and operations to continue.

Areas affected included:

• Path 25 from Oldways Road to Cleat Hill
• Path 58 Cleat Hill
• Path 26 behind properties in Cleat Hill
• Path 52 Graze Hill towards Cleat Hill
• Bridleway 23 at the back of Hamble Road to Cleat Hill
• Footpath from Rhineland Way to Cleat Hill
• Footpath from Douglas Road to Cleat Hill

Press spokesman Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the tragic incident at Cleat Hill and we would like to thank everyone for their help and cooperation as we continue our investigation.”