A woman, who was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following an explosion at a home in Cleat Hill, Bedford has died.
Julia Harris, 84, was taken to hospital on Saturday, 19 October after the explosion which had already claimed the life of 85-year-old Paul Swales.
Read: Family pay tribute to 85-year-old man who lost his life in Cleat Hill explosion
Bedfordshire Police have now confirmed Ms Harris died earlier this week on Tuesday (29 October).
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Inwood from Bedfordshire Police said: “Our thoughts remain with Julia’s loved ones at this difficult and distressing time.
“Our family liaison officers are working with family and friends and will continue to support them however we can.”
Bedford Borough Council is continuing to provide various support services to residents affected by the explosion and has recently resumed allowing locals access to their homes which were evacuated due to concerns of natural gas build-up since the explosion.
Read: Displaced Cleat Hill residents allowed back into their homes to collect belongings
Mayor of Bedford Borough Tom Wootton (Conservative), added, “On behalf of Bedford Borough, I extend my deepest condolences to all who know and love the family affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, has been asked to join a police investigation into the explosion.
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said, “Enquiries are still ongoing, and we are working with a number of partners, including the Health and Safety Executive and the Coroner’s Office, to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.”
Read: Health and Safety Executive joins investigation into Cleat Hill explosion
