Family thank neighbours and emergency services after gas explosion

The family of Nell Smith, who was injured in the gas explosion in Kylemore Park on Saturday have thanked her neighbours and the emergency services.

In a social media post, Cllr Shauna Cusack (SDLP) said: "Thankfully, tragedy was avoided in Kylemore yesterday.

"The family of the injured lady have asked me to share the following statement of gratitude to neighbours and our heroic emergency services:

Derry City and Strabane District councillor, Shauna Cusack (SDLP).

"The Family of Nell Smith would first of like to say Nell is stable in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. The family would like to express their appreciation of the help after the explosion, the neighbours' bravery in gaining access to get Nell out of the house, the neighbours who took Nell into their home and looked after her until the ambulance arrived, the neighbour who is a nurse and administrated first aid.

"We are sorry we don’t know any names yet but we will be thanking you personally. Nell recently moved in just a month ago, and right away, all the neighbours where kind and helpful from day one.

"We would also like to thank especially the fire service, ambulance service, police and forensic teams for their kindness and professionalism.

"Yesterday was a horrific day for all involved but the true spirit of Derry came out with the people of Kylemore and the response teams On behalf of the family, Stephen McCafferty, please keep Nell in your prayers."

Sunday, January 15, 2023:

Derry City and Strabane District councillor, Shauna Cusack (SDLP) has expressed her gratitude to the emergency services for their quick response to a gas explosion in the Kylemore Park area of Derry on Saturday.

Ms Cusack said her thoughts were with an elderly lady who was taken to hospital for injuries following the explosion which left significant damage to a home. 

Cllr Cusack said: “I want to please on record my thanks to emergency services who responded quickly following a suspected gas explosion in Kylemore Park. 

“An elderly lady has now been taken to Altnagelvin hospital for treatment after what was clearly an incredibly distressing incident that has left a home devastated. Our thoughts are with her and her family at what will be a very upsetting time. 

“There will obviously be some disruption in the area and I would encourage local people to follow the directions of emergency service workers throughout the day.”

In addition, a spokesperson for Open Strategic Communications, a communications agency acting on behalf of Firmus Energy, told Derry Now the address at which the gas explosion occurred was "not connected to the mains gas network".

Saturday, January 14, 2023:

A woman has been transferred to hospital following a suspected gas explosion in Derry.

The emergency services are at the scene in Kylemore Park.

A NI Ambulance Service spokesperson said it had received a 999 call about the incident just after 11:50 am on Saturday (January 14).

Following treatment at the scene, the woman was transferred to Altnagelvin Area Hospital.

The PSNI also attended the incident and they are urging the public to avoid the area.

In a social media post relating to the incident, Derry City councillor Shauna Cusack said she had just been to the scene in Kylemore.

She added: "It’s worse than what was initially thought with the elderly lady taken to hospital. Thoughts and prayers with her and her family that she is okay."

DerryNow understands that the incident is not connected to any issue with the main gas network.