Catastrophe on Eden Street
A man is on the brink of prison after triggering a massive explosion that flattened three homes while tampering with a gas main. Paul Solway, 57, caused an “earthquake-like” blast that ripped through the quiet street of Eden Street, Alvaston.
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The shocking incident happened on June 10, 2025, when emergency crews rushed to rescue Solway and his dog from the fiery rubble at around 7.34 pm. Police, firefighters, and gas workers battled at the scene for over 17 hours.
Destruction and Devastation
- Three houses, including Solway’s, were left beyond repair and had to be demolished.
- Neighbours described the blast as earth-shaking, plunging the street into darkness as electricity briefly cut out.
Guilty Plea and Grim Consequences
Solway, who was still sporting bandaged arms and hands in court, pleaded guilty to six counts of damaging property with intent to endanger life at Derby Crown Court.
Residents were forced to evacuate for days while the neighbourhood dealt with the clean-up and shock. The community continues to grapple with the fallout of the reckless blast.
