“I thought it was someone with a shotgun” - residents share their shock after explosion in Chesterfield that rattled neighbouring homes

Emergency services were called on Friday, January 30 to the scene of an explosion - with the incident taking place on Summerfield Road in Boythorpe, Chesterfield.

An explosion had caused extensive damage inside the detached house, with two further properties also being evacuated by Derbyshire Police.

Officers discovered a suspected cannabis grow inside the property, and a 32-year-old man was taken to hospital to be treated for burns that are thought to be life-changing.

The Derbyshire Times has spoken to a number of neighbouring residents who were left shocked by the blast. Each person has requested to remain anonymous, but shared their experience of what happened in the aftermath of the explosion.

One individual who lives near the property hit by the blast said he initially believed that a firearm had been discharged after hearing several bangs that rattled his home - before realising that the house had exploded and caught alight. The Derbyshire Times was also contacted by an individual who lives in the area - who said the explosion erupted with such force that it shook their property as well.

They said: “There were booming bangs every so often. It rattled the house and I thought it was someone with a shotgun. We realised that the house was on fire, so we rang the fire brigade, and we saw a man who had suffered burns to his face leave the house.”

“They’ve got lucky the fire station is only down the road. Fire engines from Chesterfield, Clay Cross, Dronfield and Matlock were all at the scene.”

Another person who lives close to the scene said they heard what sounded like an explosion from the property, and said that anyone who had been near the property at the time could have been killed by the blast.

They said: “We heard an almighty bang. I had suspicions that it was an explosion, but you’re not sure what’s really happening.

“There were flames and smoke billowing from the house, but we didn’t realise that the wall had been blown out.

“If you were near the wall when it exploded, it could’ve killed you.”

A third resident shared their shock at the incident, which they said had caused some damage to a neighbouring property. They added that emergency services remained at the scene for two days following the explosion - which a number of people first believed to have been caused by a boiler.

They said: “I was gobsmacked. A man ran out with burns to his face and hands, and the explosion had blown tiles off the roof of a cottage where an elderly couple live.

“The police were there for two days, along with forensics and the fire service. People thought the fire had been started by a boiler at first.”

Residents said that the house hit by the explosion had recently been sold. Two individuals had also spotted that some of the property’s windows had been taped up or covered with plastic sheets - which they believed was due to building work being carried out by the new owner.

Derbyshire Police confirmed on Monday, February 2 that no arrests had been made in connection with the explosion. They added that the property had been made secure and safe following the incident - as their investigation alongside Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service continues.

A force spokesperson said: “People inside two homes on either side of the property were evacuated as a precaution but were not injured and have since been allowed to return to their properties.

“Work has been undertaken to make the scene safe and secure. Residents living nearby may have heard a loud bang but we would like to reassure members of the public that there is no wider threat or danger to the public.

“A joint investigation between Derbyshire Constabulary and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has been launched into the incident.”

Officers have also urged witnesses, or those with any information about the incident, to come forward.

They wish to hear from anyone with CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage which covers the scene, who have not already spoken to officers.

Anyone who can assist the force with their enquiries is asked to use one of the following contact methods - quoting incident number 26000059041:

Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary

Twitter – direct message the force’s contact centre on @DerPolContact

Website – complete the online contact form

Phone – call 101

You can also anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.