Tragic Blast Rocks Quiet Orchard Crescent
A woman in her 40s was fatally injured when a paving slab exploded in her Chippenham garden. Wiltshire Police have labelled the incident a “tragic accident.”
The alarm was raised at around 3.20pm on Thursday, 5 March, after neighbours heard a loud bang and found the woman seriously hurt. Ambulance crews arrived swiftly, but sadly, nothing could save her life.
Emergency Services Rush to the Scene
- Ambulance, fire crews, and police were on-site within minutes
- Two fire crews and four fire officers joined about ten police officers
- Orchard Crescent was cordoned off amid public safety concerns
Cause: Patio Slab Overheating Triggers Explosion
A joint investigation by Wiltshire Police and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service revealed a concrete slab overheating caused the blast. Investigators donned protective gear while probing the scene.
A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire spokesperson confirmed: “A concrete slab that had been overheated accidentally caused the explosion.”
Statements From Emergency Services
Wiltshire Police said: “We can confirm that a woman has sadly died following an incident at an address in Chippenham this afternoon (5/3). Along with fire and ambulance services, we attended Orchard Crescent following a report of an explosion. Tragically, the woman died at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed, and our thoughts are with her family. No suspicious circumstances are believed to be involved.”
The South Western Ambulance Service added: “We were called at 15:12hrs on 5 March to an incident in Chippenham. One double-crewed ambulance and an operations officer were sent.”
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to Orchard Crescent at 3.18pm on 5 March to support ambulance and police at the scene. Two crews attended, with one still remaining on site.”
This horrific accident has shocked the local community and reignited concerns about garden safety. Wiltshire Police continue their investigation, but stress there is no evidence of foul play.
