A man in his 60s has died in hospital four days after a suspected gas explosion destroyed a bungalow in Newton Longville, a village near Milton Keynes. Thames Valley Police confirmed the death on 10 August 2026, following the blast that levelled the property on Cobb Hall Road on Sunday morning.
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service described the incident as a suspected gas explosion, though accounts differ on the exact timing, with some reports placing it at 9:42am and others at 9:44am, rather than the previously reported 09:45 BST.
What caused the explosion?
The precise cause has not yet been confirmed, though investigators are examining a possible gas leak. According to a national broadcaster's report, gas provider SGN said an engineer was dispatched after a report of a gas smell shortly after midnight and arrived at the scene within 16 minutes. Residents in the village had reported smelling gas before the explosion occurred, with some describing the sound of the blast as being like a bomb dropping in the village.
How many people were affected?
SGN said a 50-metre (160-ft) safety cordon was established around the site and that 24 properties in the surrounding area were affected. Neighbouring homes were evacuated following the explosion, and some displaced residents were placed in hotels while safety checks were carried out on nearby properties. Footage taken after the blast showed flames and smoke rising from the destroyed bungalow.
Who is investigating and what have officials said?
The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed, according to the Health and Safety Executive, that it is investigating the cause of the explosion, with inspectors attending the site alongside police and fire crews. Thames Valley Police has maintained responsibility for site security and road closures while the inquiry continues.
Detective Inspector Philip Turner-Robson said:
This is a tragic development and our thoughts are with the man's family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
What happens next?
Health and Safety Executive inspectors are continuing their on-site work to determine what caused the explosion. SGN has said it will continue carrying out safety checks in the surrounding area and is working with local authorities to arrange temporary housing for residents who remain displaced.
Key Facts
- The explosion destroyed a bungalow on Cobb Hall Road, Newton Longville, near Milton Keynes, on Sunday morning.
- A man in his 60s was taken to hospital following the blast and died four days later.
- SGN reported a 50-metre cordon and said 24 properties were affected.
- An SGN engineer had responded to a gas smell report shortly after midnight, arriving within 16 minutes.
- The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the cause alongside police and fire services.
