A debate is to be held in the House of Commons tomorrow regarding a gas explosion that killed one and evacuated hundreds in Thornton Heath.
Siobhain McDonagh MP for Mitcham and Morden is to raise residents’ “concerns and questions at the very highest level”.
Those who were evacuated from Galpin’s Road and the surrounding area will be provided with a coach that will take them to the House of Commons so that they can watch from the public gallery.
Four-year-old Sahara Salman’s body was recovered from the ruins of a terraced house which collapsed after the gas explosion and fire on August 8.
Emergency Services were first called to the home at around 7am and three other people were seriously injured in the blast, including an 11-year-old boy and a 54-year-old woman.
House number 255 was obliterated by the explosion, while two neighbouring terraced homes suffered extensive damage and several more suffered smashed windows.
A total of 500 people were evacuated from neighbouring houses on Galpin’s Road while work continues to be carried out by Southern Gas Network.
A criminal investigation into the explosion has been launched and many residents remain evacuated.
The coach will be leaving the New Horizon Centre in Pollards Hill at midday tomorrow and the 30-minute debate in the House of Commons is expected to begin at 2.30pm.
Siobhain McDonagh, Member of Parliament for Mitcham and Morden said: “The House of Commons will pause on Friday in memory of 4-year-old Sahara Salman and in support of her grieving family who have lost their precious daughter.
“I cannot begin to imagine how desperately difficult these past few months have been for them – and indeed for their neighbours on Galpin’s Road, many of whom remain evacuated following the tragic gas explosion.
“I am in awe at their fortitude and hope that this debate will ensure that their voices are heard at the very highest levels.”
The latest statement from Merton Council announces: “We are pleased to announce that we have managed to secure the services of Leigh Day, an independent firm of lawyers who residents will be able to meet as a group and on an individual basis to discuss some of their concerns.”
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