A mother who was severely injured in a gas explosion that claimed the life of a young girl in Thornton Heath has revealed her harrowing experience of being trapped under rubble for five hours. Elaine McDonald, 55, spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) about the lasting impact of the tragedy and how she will live with her injuries for the rest of her life.
The explosion occurred on Galpin’s Road in Pollards Hill, Thornton Heath, eleven months ago, resulting in the tragic death of four-year-old Sahara Salman. Following the incident, hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes. Prior to the explosion, residents had reported a strong smell of gas in the area for several weeks.
Elaine McDonald had been residing on Galpin’s Road since 2012 with her partner Nigel Forde, 55, and their son. McDonald recalled noticing workers from Southern Gas Networks (SGN) in the area but did not perceive any urgency from them. On the morning of August 8, she switched on the kettle, heard a small sound, and then a sudden explosion.
McDonald described being trapped under debris, experiencing darkness and hearing sounds of water or gas, which terrified her. She recounted moments of consciousness during the ordeal and eventually started punching her way out. Nigel Forde, who was in the loft when the explosion occurred, rescued McDonald after approximately four to five hours. The couple were then instructed to evacuate by the fire brigade.
Ms. McDonald suffered two broken ankles, severe burns covering over half of her body, and extensive nerve damage. She has undergone skin grafts and continues to battle infections as her lower limbs have not fully healed. Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for being alive and receiving care, although her recovery has been hindered by limited resources.
Elaine McDonald remained in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s burns unit until November 20, 2022, before being transferred for rehabilitation in Roehampton to learn to walk again. She receives mental health treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and continues with external physiotherapy and counseling.
The incident remains under investigation, and law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp is conducting an inquiry into the explosion and potential leaks leading up to it. The firm encourages anyone with information to come forward. SGN, responsible for the gas network in the area, stated that it continues to support the ongoing investigation led by the Metropolitan Police.
The Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command is diligently investigating the gas explosion alongside the Health and Safety Executive. Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin expressed the team’s commitment to providing answers to the affected community as quickly as possible.
While Elaine McDonald and her partner Nigel Forde continue to grapple with the physical and emotional aftermath of the gas explosion, their pursuit of closure and justice remains ongoing. The incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of such incidents and the importance of rigorous safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
