Families assess damage to Nuneaton homes after ‘boiler blast’

Families made homeless by a devastating house fire have returned to their properties to assess the damage.

The fire happened on Alexandra Street in Nuneaton just before midday on Wednesday when a boiler reportedly exploded and destroyed a terraced house, as well as damaging the homes on either side.

Samantha Bibb had lived in the terraced house, where the fire is believed to have started, with her mum, who is deaf and disabled, for 31 years.

“We’ve got nothing, everything we had was in that house. I’m still walking around in pyjamas and slippers from yesterday because the only clothes I have was what was on my back when I ran out of the house,” she said.

Ms Bibb said she had to rescue her mum from a back bedroom in the house, where the boiler was.

“I ran in and I just seen that she was just lying, and I thought the worst, so I ran up and pushed her out of the bedroom.

“I didn’t know what else to do.”

Warwickshire Fire Service returned to the street on Thursday morning after residents reported a strong smell of gas, however, the service soon “gave the all clear”.

The properties on either side of where the fire is believed to have started have also been made uninhabitable.

Romany Mason, who lived next door, said she hoped “it had been a dream”.

“Walking round the corner this morning and seeing the house, I cried my eyes out. I just can’t stop crying,” she said.

Ms Mason hoped the housing association would be able to find her family somewhere to live but at the moment she planned to stay in a hotel.

“We’re struggling,” she added.