Hounslow’s housing chief has praised all those who helped people affected by an explosion and flat fire in Chiswick on New Year’s Eve.
Steve Curran visited the scene on New Year’s Day in Edensor Gardens where an elderly woman had been airlifted to hospital and around 40 residents were evacuated from neighbouring properties following the explosion the day before at 3pm.
As well as the work of the emergency services, council officers and staff from Hounslow Homes came down and helped those affected by ensuring they had somewhere to go.
A temporary rest centre was opened at New Chiswick Pool which is run by Fusion, with most residents able to return home later that evening.
The majority of those unable to return home were able to stay with family and friends, with one family being provided temporary accommodation by the council.
Mr Curran, said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in responding to this incident on New Year’s Eve for their hard work and professionalism.
“Council and Hounslow Homes staff were promptly on the scene, and Fusion staff kept the leisure centre open to support people evacuated from their homes.
“We are working with the emergency services to find out the cause of the explosion, and I have asked Hounslow Homes to review fire safety arrangements for elderly residents to make sure we are doing enough to keep residents safe.”
