Remembering devastating Coventry gas explosion that destroyed house 50 years ago
It’s half a century this week since a devastating incident in Coventry that made national headlines. The Ashorne Close gas explosion on May 20, 1974 was described as being ‘just like a bomb’.
Plumber Gilbert Binns, 42, was in the process of moving from his former council home to a bigger house in the same street. But a neighbour mentioned that there was a smell of gas in the old property. So he went to investigate and – as there was no electricity – struck a match to see what he was doing.
That split second decision led to huge consequences. Mr Binns was thrown back against a wall and according to a firefighter who was soon at the scene, was spotted ‘running down the street with his clothes alight’.
The windows of the property were blown out and the roof suffered substantial damage. Luckily Mr Binns recovered following hospital treatment and no one else was badly injured. You can see the aftermath of the explosion in the pictures below. CoventryLive featured an in depth look at this incident in 2021 – read more here.
Gas Explosion Ashorne Close, Bell Green, Coventry. Local resident Paul Giddings aged 15 outside the damaged house. He smelled gas and 10 minutes later the house exploded 21st May 1974
House damage by a gas explosion at Ashorne Close, Bell Green, Coventry. 21st May 1974
Gas Explosion Ashorne Close, Bell Green, Coventry. Local resident Mrs Barbara Peters with her nine month old son Vincent, who was thrown from his cot by the force of the explosion. 21st May 1974
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