Tributes have been paid to a “true legend” who died in hospital days after a bungalow was destroyed in a suspected gas explosion.
Emergency services responded to a report of an explosion, fire and collapse of a property in Cobb Hall Road in Newton Longville near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, at around 9.45am on Sunday.
Thames Valley Police said a man in his 60s was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries. Days later, a force spokesperson confirmed he has died.
While he has not been named by police, Newton Longville Parish Council and local bars in the community have named him as Steve Woodward.
Lead Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Philip Turner-Robson said: “This is a tragic development and our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Thames Valley Police is managing a coronial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion and collapse of the property, working jointly with the Health and Safety Executive.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing as we seek to establish the full circumstances of what happened”.
In a tribute on social media, Newton Longville Parish Council said: “It has been announced this morning that Steve Woodward, the Cobb Hall Road resident injured on Sunday, has sadly succumbed to those injuries.
“Our deepest condolences go to Steve’s family and friends. He will clearly be very much missed by this community”.
Wing Sports & Social Club, a local bar in Leighton Buzzard that offered support and donations to Steve, offered their condolences on social media.
A tribute reads: “R.I.P., our Steve. Forever in our hearts, always loved and never forgotten.
“Another night, another crowd coming together and showing just how loved you really were. Our true legend!
“Keep looking down on us, mate. Until we meet again”.
Callum Bradley Anderson, Labour MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, shared: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Stephen Woodward following the gas explosion in Newton Longville last Sunday.
“This is an absolute tragedy, and my thoughts are with Stephen’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, as well as with all those in the wider community who have been affected or displaced by this devastating incident.
“I know that a joint investigation is currently being carried out by the Health and Safety Executive and Thames Valley Police.
“If you have any information that may be relevant to the investigation, please contact Thames Valley Police, quoting URN 660 and the relevant date.My sincere condolences go to everyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss”.
Ring doorbell camera footage captured the moment debris rained down on surrounding homes, with several homes damaged and evacuated in the immediate aftermath.
Footage shows the quiet morning abruptly disrupted as the blast sent bricks, roof tiles, smoke, and flames high into the air.
A number of affected residents were offered support, with the local pub, The Crooked Billet, becoming a hub for people who had been forced from their homes.
