The woman killed when a large gas explosion destroyed a house in Kingstanding has been named in online tributes like beloved grandmother Doreen Rees-Bib. The body of the 79-year-old man was discovered among the rubble on Dulwich Road after the deadly explosion Sunday evening.
She was warmly remembered on Facebook posts, including one by a family member who confirmed her as a victim of the tragedy. A man, who he says is the owner of the house, was pulled from the wreckage by neighboring heroes and was fighting for his life in the hospital. Four more people suffered minor injuries.
READ MORE: Gas explosion in Birmingham house: woman found dead at scene of big bang
The West Midlands fire service said earlier that it could be “days” before it finds out the exact cause of the deadly gas explosion. He said: “Investigations continue, in a very challenging scenario. Thank you to the local community for your continued understanding and support.”
Several bouquets were placed near the site of the tragedy. Surrounding properties and cars were also damaged by the blast. The houses were evacuated, and the Kingstanding Inn provided shelter and food for half a dozen families.
Flowers left at the scene of the deadly gas explosion (Image: Birmingham Mail / Darren Quinton)
Mark Pearman, 49, described the dramatic moments before emergency services arrived, as about 30 people rushed to help rescue a man who was heard screaming inside the affected house. He said: “We heard a massive explosion and our bodies shook.
“Smoke blankets covered the street. There was a lot of rubble where the house should have been and massive flames.
“About 30 young people rushed to help. One group was in front, the other turned around in the back. We formed a human chain and went through pieces of rubble.
“A few boys held on to a wooden beam and a woman, a resident, who is a fitness athlete, pulled the man out. They put him on a mattress that had exploded from the house and emergency services arrived.”
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