Girl killed in Thornton Heath gas explosion named as Sahara Salman

Girl killed in Thornton Heath gas explosion named as Sahara Salman
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Aden-Jay Wood

By Aden-Jay Wood


Published: 10/08/2022

- 10:56

Updated: 10/08/2022

- 20:39

Sahara Salman, who was four years old, died after a terraced house collapsed in Galpin’s Road shortly after 7am on Monday

A young girl killed in a gas explosion in south London has been named locally as Sahara Salman.

Sahara, believed to have been four years old, died after a terraced house collapsed in Galpin’s Road, Thornton Heath, shortly after 7am on Monday.


Three other people were injured in the blast.

Police at the scene on Wednesday morning said the gas supply to the road has been turned off, and they are waiting for the gas to dissipate before allowing residents to return to their homes.

Soft toys and a lampost are seen in an exposed room of a property in Galpin's Road in Thornton Heath, south London, where a house collapsed amid a fire and explosion. A four-year-old girl is feared missing after a terraced home collapsed following an explosion, according to neighbours. Picture date: Monday August 8, 2022.
Sahara died after a terraced house collapsed in Thornton Heath, shortly after 7am on Monday
Dominic Lipinski

Flowers are laid near to the scene in Galpin's Road in Thornton Heath, south London. The London Ambulance Service has confirmed a child has died and three people are in hospital after the terraced home collapsed following an explosion and fire on Monday. Picture date: Tuesday August 9, 2022.
Flowers and tributes have been laid near the scene
Dominic Lipinski

Six to eight homes were damaged by the blast, but around 80 homes were evacuated after the cordon was extended on Tuesday over fears for residents’ safety.

The council has provided assistance to more than 200 residents, including helping with food and accommodation.

Residents are likely to be in hotels for weeks.

Merton Council leader Ross Garrod said the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) told him the situation had not stabilised since the explosion and criticised insurance companies for “refusing basic accommodation” for those affected.

Speaking on Tuesday evening, Mr Garrod said: “Firstly, I would like to say that the thoughts of everyone remain with the family of the young girl who tragically lost her life.

“This morning the Health and Safety Executive attended Galpin’s Road to begin investigations.

“Southern Gas Networks (SGN) also remain on site.

“The HSE immediately advised that the cordon be extended to 200 metres.

“There is still a strong smell of gas and we understand the leak may take some days to stop.

“I would like to stress that this is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents.

“We are also facing real challenges, not least among the response of insurance companies, many of whom are refusing basic accommodation for homeowners. This is unacceptable.”

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