Life-saving neighbours honoured after house explosion

Five people who helped rescue neighbours from collapsed buildings after a gas explosion have been awarded for their bravery.

The rescue missions were launched after a home on Lancaster Road in Yate, near Bristol, exploded on 29 April last year. Three people were taken to hospital and 40 residents were evacuated.

Five people who helped to save their trapped neighbours have now been recognised by the Royal Humane Society for their brave actions.

Kevin Macdonald, who freed his neighbour from a pile of rubble, said: "We did save her life and it's nice to be appreciated. When you're doing it, you really don't think about that, you think 'just get her out'."

One home was completely destroyed in the explosion, while neighbouring properties were also damaged.

Macdonald, along with Luke Wood and Caralyn Jones, entered one of the houses and found their neighbour trapped in her bed.

Wood said: "We climbed up the stairs and we found Margaret nearly crushed in her bed by her entire wall. It had completely collapsed on her bed so we had to lift all the rubble off her."

Jones said: "Seeing the other awardees you just realise that people will go above and beyond to help someone else and not think about themselves."

Former police officer Rob Cainey and his son Rich, who lived on the other side of the destroyed home, also received awards.

Rob said: "On the day you don't think you've done anything special, you just react to a given situation that presents itself in front of you and you do what you hope anyone else would do."

Rich said many people at the awards ceremony felt the same way, adding: "It's impressive seeing all those people who have been through all those situations and shown bravery."

Wood said he had mixed feelings about the award, explaining: "Nobody lost their lives but the people who lived there are still picking up the remnants of their homes and their memories - so [the award] is an honour but it's a hard thing to be too grateful."

Three homes have already been demolished and another property is set to be torn down later this year due to damage caused by the blast.

Some residents are still living in rented accommodation as they have been told it could be another year before their homes are rebuilt.

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