Explosion that killed woman was caused by rats gnawing gas pipes

An explosion which destroyed a Tyneside house, killing an 80-year-old woman, was caused by rodents gnawing through gas pipes, an inquest has heard.

Moira Dickson died in the blast at Grey Street, North Shields, in May 2006. Her partner suffered serious burns.



A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found a hole in the oven's gas pipe was consistent with the scrape and gnaw marks of rats or mice.

The HSE urged gas customers not to worry and said the explosion was an "extremely unusual occurrence".

With news video.