A gas fitter from Warrington is being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an explosion in Irlam, Manchester, on 2 November 2010, which injured 15 people, including five children, and left one woman with severe burns.
Following a 15-month investigation by the HSE, 29-year-old Paul Kay has been charged with breaching Regulation 7(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, for failing to ensure a gas fitting was properly supported and protected.

The blast completely destroyed three homes in Merlin Road and caused severe damage to others.

Mr Kay is due to appear before Trafford Magistrates' Court in Sale on 15 June for the first hearing in the case.