The devastating explosion in Benwell, caused by an illegal cannabis lab, killed seven-year-old Archie York and 35-year-old Jason Laws, displaced over 140 residents, and has left the city council facing an estimated £3.7 million in recovery costs.
00:00A Newcastle community remains in shock and recovery months after a devastating explosion in Benwell that claimed their lives and left more than 140 people without homes.
00:10Now council leaders are grappling with the enormous cost and trying to recoup some of their millions lost.
00:15The blast occurred in the early hours of October 16th last year on Violet Close.
00:21A butane gas explosion ripped through a residential flat where Rhys Galbraith was using the gas to produce shatter, a concentrated form of cannabis.
00:29The explosion killed seven-year-old Archie York, who lived in the flat above, and 35-year-old Jason Laws, Galbraith's friend.
00:36Galbraith was sentenced this week to 14 years in prison for causing the tragedy.
00:41The emotional and financial toll has been immense.
00:44Newcastle City Council says the incident has cost the public person an estimated £3.7 million, money spent on emergency response, demolition, temporary housing and support services for those affected.
00:57142 people from 51 homes had to evacuate that night.
01:0212 properties were destroyed and later demolished.
01:0510 families have been permanently rehoused.
01:07Some residents have still not been able to return home.
01:10The council says £1.5 million has already been spent managing the aftermath, with another £1.9 million needed if the demolished houses are rebuilt.
01:20A final decision on that will be made only after consultation with Archie's family and the wider community.
01:26In the meantime, the area where the explosion happened has been turned into a quiet space for reflection.
01:33Labour councillor Paula Maines said that this tragic incident has had huge, devastating consequences for many residents of our city.
01:39The explosion has permanently changed a once close-knit multicultural community.
