Disabled Portsmouth pensioner 'disgusted' at homeowners being 'left on own' after 'traumatic' explosions

Residents were just ‘seconds away’ from death when a series of massive blasts left three houses in Whale Island Way, Stamshaw, damaged.

Locals were evacuated to nearby HMS Excellent as miraculously no one was killed or severely injured despite debris being catapulted across the area.

The Health and Safety Executive confirmed last week it is investigating the incident.

Michael McCormick, 52, his 45-year-old wife, Montse, and their son Mark, 19, whose privately owned house exploded, were put into a nearby Travelodge along with other neighbours whose homes were damaged by the blast.

Council tenants were also supported by Portsmouth City Council after having their lives turned upside down.

But 69-year-old Tony Wilson, who lives two doors away from the McCormicks’ house and whose property was damaged by the blasts, said private homeowners have been left to fend for themselves while council tenants are supported.

‘The real people in trouble are those who bought their house and made it nice,’ he said. ‘We have been left on our own and are being pushed to the edge. We are living a nightmare scenario.

‘Many council tenants in the road have been given some support but not the owner-occupiers living within two doors of the explosion.

‘Total silence shows the council don’t seem to understand or be sympathetic to the situation.

‘Some of the private owners are left to battle with their insurers whilst living with no support, no furniture, no clothes and possibly no future.’

The pensioner said his house, chimney and outside walls had been left with cracks, while he now has to endure a stench of smoke and soil. He has also had to fork out £200 for a surveyor to inspect his house.

‘What happened or what we need to do to recover from this disaster is a mystery,’ Mr Wilson said. ‘This is a major trauma situation affecting our health and cost to our pension lives.

‘Really disgusting ignorance by the council. We feel that we are now living in a war zone with months of nightmares to come.’

Mr Wilson also said there have been long-running issues with trucks and coaches ‘causing vibrations’ and leaving ‘houses shaking’ when driving down the busy road - something he believes could be linked to the explosions.

A council spokesman said it was a ‘shocking incident for residents’ but said there had been support from numerous organisations – with those whose properties were damaged continuing to be supported by its housing and building control teams.

‘We do appreciate that other residents, although their property was undamaged, went through a very worrying experience, and might need support for their wellbeing,’ he said. ‘The council can't offer a direct service in this case, but we work closely with several wellbeing services, including Positive Minds, which is co-funded by the council.’

For more details residents can search 'mental health support' at portsmouth.gov.uk

SEE ALSO: Single mum left without hot water for three months

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