Shocking moment cowboy builder walks away from home destroyed during renovation works

The shocking moment a cowboy builder walks away from a house that exploded minutes earlier has been caught on camera. Barry Newman, 58, was carrying out refurbishments on a property in Bulwell, Nottingham, when the three-storey terraced house blew from its first floor.

The builder had placed a faulty portable space heater connected to a propane gas (LPG) cylinder in the property's cellar to dry out the damp. However, a gas leak from the heater resulted in a violent explosion, causing a 51-year-old man to suffer severe burn injuries to his hands, legs, face and scalp. The burns he suffered were so serious, he has been unable to work since. Footage taken by a nearby neighbour captures the second after the blast where smoke can be seen bellowing from the semi detached property. Rubble is also seen scattered across the pavement and road.

Newman - the sole trader of his company Foster Brother Builders - can be seen walking uninjured from the property whilst glancing back at the destruction.

On June 19, Newman, of The Quay, Beeston Marina, Nottingham, was given a 12-month suspended sentence at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work and required to pay costs of £2,000.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident, which happened on Novemeber 22 2022, and found that Newman failed to carry out a risk assessment.

He also did not provide suitable and adequately maintained equipment for the work being undertaken.

The manufacturer's instructions for the heater clearly state that it is only for use in well-ventilated areas and that LPG cylinders should not be kept below ground.

This is because the gas is heavier than air and will collect at the lower level if there is a leak.

HSE guidance states that employers should ensure that work equipment is used only for operations in situations and under conditions that are suitable.

Newman pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(3) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Roy Poulter HSE Inspector said: "This gas explosion has left one man unable to work due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained and it could have easily resulted in someone losing their life.

"This case should serve as a strong reminder to those in the building trade on the dangers of working with gas and the need to assess the risk, and just how serious both HSE and the courts take failures like this.

"HSE will take action against those who do not do all that they can to keep people safe."