Adam Walker, 32, heard a loud bang followed by Jackson’s three-year-old son screaming as the blast shattered an apartment building in Tanfields, Skelmserdale, on May 17. Police said five people managed to get out of the building before emergency services arrived and fortunately none of them were seriously injured. A man later went to Ormskirk Hospital with non-life-threatening burns. Adam, the partner of Sophie Croft, 26, and their son Jackson were among the families who were forced to evacuate their homes after the blast. READ MORE: A trader was found hiding in the bathroom with heroin and “annoying phone” during a police raid Adam told ECHO: “I was sitting on the balcony when it happened, he threw me out of my chair and I ran in, I grabbed Sophie, I grabbed the baby and I ran outside. “I can not explain what the feeling was. I was just sitting there with a cigarette – it rang. The baby was in the living room, he was sleeping – he woke up screaming.” Sophie Croft, 26, and her three-year-old son Jaxon. (Image: Sophie Croft) The photos shared with ECHO show the extent of the damage caused to the apartment building where the explosion took place, which exploded completely. In one photo, a refrigerator-freezer is seen hanging from the debris along with a two-seater sofa. The people who lived in the two apartments that were directly affected by the explosion remain in temporary accommodation, while others chose to stay with friends and family. In an update this week, the West Lancashire Council said a decision has been made to demolish the two apartments involved. The aftermath of the explosion at Tanfields in Skelmersdale (Image: Liverpool Echo) A letter was sent to the residents of the area informing them about the demolition work and any consequences it may have. Adam said his family has now returned home, but he no longer feels safe living there and has asked the council to move him to a different property. Adam said: “We lived in my mom’s living room for two weeks. It affected everyone. Jackson did not go back to school, he is not himself. He does not sleep well. “It has affected me too, I have started to be late for work and I do not like it. I do not sleep properly.” Lancashire police are still investigating the cause of the explosion. A 40-year-old man from Skelmersdale, who was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug, has been released on bail until June 20. A 29-year-old man from Darlington, who was arrested on suspicion of producing Class B drugs and causing an explosive substance that could endanger life or cause serious injury, was released on bail until June 16. A West Lancashire City Council spokesman said: “After the explosion in Tanfields, Skelmersdale, the council worked closely with the affected residents. We can confirm that the residents of the two districts directly affected by the incident were offered temporary housing. which some residents have ended up with while others stay with family and friends. “We are in regular contact with the displaced residents to provide assistance and information. We also have a letter to the wider community to inform them of the need to demolish the two apartments, the timetables and any impact on health and safety beyond the impact this project may have access to and parking around the site. “Although this property is not in any of the affected blocks, I can confirm that we sought advice from our civil engineer, who confirmed that there is no residual risk that will force residents to move out of the property. “We will properly consider any application for housing in accordance with the Council Allocation Policy, taking into account any evidence.” Read more related articles Read more related articles
