Today has seen Cadent's involvement in the Cleat Hill, Bedford, incident come to an end as monitoring duties were handed over to MRS Training & Rescue.
East of England Network Director Vicky Grieve said: "This tragic incident has had a huge effect on the local community who had to evacuate their homes at short notice with no timescale on when they may be able to return.
"Despite these incredibly challenging circumstances, residents have been so appreciative of the work that we have been doing - particularly when we were able to assist a bride getting all of her bridesmaid dresses from her home – and I thank them for all of their support.
“I also want to thank and praise the incredible work carried out by the emergency services and for all of the support provided by Bedford Borough Council, the HSE and the British Geology Society throughout this ongoing incident."
Vicky Grieve, East of England Network Director for gas emergency service, Cadent said: "Since this tragic incident occurred, our thoughts and condolences have been with the family and friends of the people involved. This has affected many people in the immediate vicinity and has required a coordinated response from emergency services, Bedford Borough Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
"As the gas emergency service, it is our responsibility to not only ensure that the gas pipe network is sound, but also assist the other emergency services and investigating agencies with our expertise and specialised equipment which monitors natural gas (methane) levels.
“Our initial investigations determined that the gas detected in the area was not the odorised supply that flows through our network and into people’s homes, but rather un-odorised natural gas from a pocket underground. This gas has no smell to it, and we needed to use sensitive gas detection equipment to check the levels in the area.
“The investigation into the cause of this explosion and humanitarian efforts continue, and engineers from Cadent remain on site to monitor the natural gas levels.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that if you ever smell gas, you should report it immediately to the national gas emergency service free on 0800 111 999*.”
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
About methane gas
Methane, natural gas in any gas distribution company’s pipe network, has mercaptan added to it, to make it smell. It smells like sulphur or rotten eggs. We add the smell, so if it does escape from the pipes, you can smell it and report it immediately to the national gas emergency number free on 0800 111 999*
Natural gas from the ground has no smell.
Victoria Grieve, East of England network director for gas emergency service, Cadent explained, “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the people involved in this tragic incident.
“Our emergency engineers attended a report of a fire/explosion at 8:02am on Saturday morning (19/10/2024) on Cleat Hill, Bedford.
“We have tested our gas pipe network and found that the main and service gas pipes are sound. No leaks have been detected.
“As a matter of standard procedure, we have cut off the gas supply to the affected property as a safety precaution.
“We have been asked to stay on site, as the gas emergency experts, to advise and assist the fire service and HSE in their investigations.”
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
0776 733 7343
