16 Jul 2020

Christchurch gas explosion: WorkSafe files charges against two defendants

12:25 pm on 16 July 2020

WorkSafe has filed charges following an investigation into a gas explosion in a house on Marble Court, Northwood, Christchurch in July last year.

The scene near gas explosion.

The explosion left several people injured, destroyed a house and damaged nearby properties. Photo: Photo / Conan Young

Charges have been against two defendants following the explosion which injured six people, destroyed a house and caused significant damage to several other properties in the neighbourhood.

The charges have been filed under the Gas Act 1992, WorkSafe said.

The charges follow an investigation led by Energy Safety of Worksafe New Zealand, in consultation with the New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Crown Solicitor's office.

WorkSafe said the first court appearance would be on on 18 August in the Christchurch District Court.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the explosion at Marble Court on the morning of 19 July last year.

Residents in the suburb described doors blowing open, objects falling off walls, and debris landing on their roofs after the gas explosion.

Properties in Marble Court and Brookwater Avenue were evacuated.

Some of the affected houses were still empty in September last year.