Inquest hears explosion may have been caused by gas heater
"“The fire could have been caused by items coming into close contact with the gas heater or the gas heater being moved from an upright position"
An inquest into the death of Sean Bonner, 56, from Convoy, heard he died as a result of respiratory failure due to secondary pneumonia and thermal-induced myopathy.
Mr Bonner was in Moy, County Tyrone in February, 2018, when his white Citroën van exploded. Emergency services attended the scene to find Mr Bonner exiting the van with objects. He returned to the van to gather other items. He was subsequently brought to hospital in Belfast and died in Letterkenny University Hospital on May 3, 2019.
The Coroner, Doctor Denis McCauley said the incident which occurred in Northern Ireland was investigated by the authorities there. Forensic expert Andrew Agnew attended the scene at the request of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to determine the origin and cause of the fire. His report was read out at the inquest by Sergeant Jim Collins.
Mr Agnew found damaged portable gas heaters, a partly burnt gas cylinder and the remains of a fire extinguisher located outside the front of the vehicle. The engine compartment of the van was severely damaged. The front and rear doors were closed and there was no glass in the windows.
Burnt material was also found between the grill and the heating plate. The remains of a fire-damaged green cylinder was also found - the top of the canister was missing but the bottom was intact.
The canister was marked extremely flammable. There was also a portable gas heater present and burnt material was found on the grill and back of the heater.
In conclusion to his examination, Mr Agnew said he was of the opinion the cause of the fire may have been a gas heater inside the van.
“The fire could have been caused by items coming into close contact with the gas heater or the gas heater being moved from an upright position,” the report read.
Pathologist Gerry O’Dowd said he carried out an autopsy on May 7, 2019 and concluded the death was due to respiratory failure and non-healing burns.
“The infection was the critical issue,” Mr O’Dowd said.
Condolences were paid to the family by Coroner, Doctor Denis McCauley and Sergeant Jim Collins on their behalf and on the behalf of their colleagues.