Boiler explosion destroys family home whilst they were having tea
- 5 years ago
A woman is lucky to be alive after an old central heating boiler exploded in her lounge.
Firefighters told Susan Woods, 54, she could have been decapitated by the force of the blast which left her living room in a pile of rubble.
Flying fragments of bricks and mortar pierced one of her eyes and her head, face and legs were covered in cuts and bruises.
Susan, a care worker, said she was probably saved by the coffee table in front of the fire which helped protect her from the full force of the explosion.
Nottinghamshire Fire service said: "We would urge anyone who believes they may have disused solid fuel back boiler in their home to seek professional advice about the appropriate protection or venting of the system, or having it removed completely."
More information about risks from redundant solid fuel back boilers is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/services/localgovernment/boilers.htm
Firefighters told Susan Woods, 54, she could have been decapitated by the force of the blast which left her living room in a pile of rubble.
Flying fragments of bricks and mortar pierced one of her eyes and her head, face and legs were covered in cuts and bruises.
Susan, a care worker, said she was probably saved by the coffee table in front of the fire which helped protect her from the full force of the explosion.
Nottinghamshire Fire service said: "We would urge anyone who believes they may have disused solid fuel back boiler in their home to seek professional advice about the appropriate protection or venting of the system, or having it removed completely."
More information about risks from redundant solid fuel back boilers is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/services/localgovernment/boilers.htm