Eden Street Explosion: Man Faces Jail After Gas Main Blast Destroys Homes
A man is teetering on the edge of prison after setting off a massive explosion that tore through Eden Street, Alvaston, flattening three homes. Paul Solway, 57, caused a devastating “earthquake-like” blast while fiddling with a gas main.
The horrifying incident unfolded on the evening of June 10, 2025. Emergency crews scrambled to save Solway and his dog from the fiery wreckage at around 7.34 pm. Police, firefighters, and gas workers battled flames and rubble for over 17 hours to bring the chaos under control.
Homes Wiped Out, Neighbours Left in Shock
- Three houses—including Solway’s own—were completely destroyed and had to be demolished.
- Witnesses described the blast as earth-shattering, plunging the street into darkness as power briefly failed.
Reckless Tampering Lands Solway in Court
Still bandaged from his injuries, Solway pleaded guilty at Derby Crown Court to six charges of damaging property with intent to endanger life. Despite claiming he can’t recall fiddling with the gas main and denying intent, police branded his actions “reckless and incredibly dangerous.”
“Some lost their homes and others suffered damage to property or vehicles. I hope Solway faces a long time behind bars for the devastation he caused,” said Detective Constable Shaun Carter.
Solway’s sentencing is scheduled for April 8, with jail time widely expected.
Aftermath: Community in Turmoil
Now homeless and recovering from severe burns in hospital, Solway’s dog miraculously escaped unharmed. The neighbourhood faced days of evacuation, cleanup, and trauma as residents dealt with the fallout of the explosion.
The Eden Street blast has left a scar on this once-quiet street, with locals still coming to terms with the reckless destruction caused by Solway’s deadly gamble.
