Safety is our main priority, and so we are still advising people to avoid the Cleat Hill area of Bedford whilst work at the scene continues.
The incident is being led by the Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum (BLRF), which brings together the emergency services, local authorities, National Health Service, and other agencies to respond to any major emergency in Bedfordshire. The LRF has a four-week plan that is ultimately governed by success/time being spent on the ground to reduce the risks and allow residents to get back into their property safely.
The LRF continues to monitor the situation closely and manage all risks associated with the incident.
Although the recovery and investigation process is complex, we are committed to ensuring that the community of Cleat Hill is supported throughout this difficult time.
We are working closely with multiple partners as part of our investigation into the circumstances and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the people who sadly died.
Overview and safety information
What happened?
On Saturday 19 October 2024, there was an explosion followed by a fire at a residential property in Cleat Hill, resulting in the tragic death of two people. A 100-metre cordon has been established around the affected area to ensure public safety and to allow the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Bedfordshire Police, and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) to carry out an investigation into the cause of the explosion and put in suitable mitigation measures to enable people to get back to their homes safely.
What caused the explosion?
Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Serves and the HSE are actively investigating the cause of the explosion.
Why can’t 50 households get back to their homes?
The 100-metre cordon remains in place to protect the public and responders, ensuring the safety of the area. A number of residents are being supported to collect essential belongings from their homes in a safe, controlled, and supervised manner when conditions allow. Some properties outside the cordon, like those in Glenrose Avenue and Wagstaff Close, have also been evacuated because their access passes through the cordon area. The cordon’s effectiveness is continuously reviewed.
When will the cordon be lifted?
The cordon will be lifted only when the Police, Fire Service, and HSE confirm that it is safe to do so. This continues to be a priority for the teams on the ground.
What roads are affected?
Roads in the exclusion area include Cleat Hill, Glenrose Avenue, and Wagstaffe Close. Road closures are in effect from the Kimbolton Road/Wentworth Drive junction with Cleat Hill to the junction of Bedford Road and Graze Hill.
There is also a "Road ahead closed" sign at the crossroads in Ravensden, with diversions through Oldways Road, Ravensden Road, Hookhams Lane, and Wentworth Drive. Cleat Hill has been closed to traffic. Motorists are asked to take the signposted alternative routes, and a number of footpaths and walkways are also closed:
- Footpath 25 from Oldways Road to Cleat Hill
- Footpath 58 Cleat Hill
- Footpath 26 behind the properties in Cleat Hill
- Footpath 52 Graze Hill towards Cleat Hill
- Bridleway 23 to the rear of Hamble Road to Cleat Hill
- The walkway from Rhineland Way to Cleat Hill
- The walkway from Douglas Road to Cleat Hill.
Resident and community support
What support is being provided to affected residents?
Bedford Borough Council is providing various support services, including an Advice and Support Centre, temporary accommodation, financial support associated with the response phase of this incident and the needs of residents, a 24-hour emergency helpline, free office space at Borough Hall.
There is also ongoing monitoring on scene.
In addition to conducting a thorough investigation alongside partner agencies, officers from Bedfordshire Police will remain in the area to support with enforcing the cordon and ensuring the safety of vacant properties.
All partners have also been carrying out welfare checks and assessments, along with door-knocking in the wider area to ensure we understand residents’ specific needs.
For emotional support, residents can also contact the Samaritans helpline at 116 123, which is free and available 24/7.
How long will temporary accommodation be provided?
Temporary accommodation will be available for as long as residents need it (i.e. they can return safely to their homes).
What financial assistance is available for those affected?
Financial assistance has been provided for essential items such as food and clothing. Other considerations will be assessed on an individual basis.
Access and personal property
Have residents been allowed back into the cordoned area to retrieve items?
All residents have been offered the opportunity to return home and collect essential belongings from their homes in a safe, controlled and supervised manner when the conditions allow. All those that wanted to access their properties have been able to (43 households).
Can residents return home temporarily to retrieve pets?
A number of residents have already been supported to collect their pets, and we believe there are no more remaining in the evacuated area. However, if any resident is aware of any pets still within the cordon please inform the Council so that they can investigate and determine the most appropriate course of action with partners.
What is happening with evacuated residents’ bins and post?
The Council is coordinating with its waste management services to maintain waste collection in accessible areas, and bins in evacuated zones have also been evacuated where accessible.
For postal services, arrangements are being currently being made between the Royal Mail and the Council to hold or redirect for affected residents. We are updating affected residents by text message on this. If you are not receiving your post due to this incident please contact the Council.
We are updating affected residents by text message on this. If you are not receiving your post due to this incident please contact the Council.
Information access and updates
How can I get updates on the situation?
Residents in the exclusion area have access to a dedicated phone line for updates and receive regular text messages.
All partners have attended residents’ public meetings to help, support and inform residents in the exclusion area.
If you live nearby but outside the exclusion area, you can email proffice@bedford.gov.uk with your phone number and address to be added to a text alert list. Residents in the wider area can follow our social media channels for ongoing information.
See our latest news / press releases
- Support continues for residents following Cleat Hill incident
- Latest meeting for residents to be kept up to date on Cleat Hill incident
- Residents kept up to date on Cleat Hill incident at most recent meeting
- Road closures remain in place following incident in Cleat Hill
- Residents given access to their homes following incident in Cleat Hill
- Working space offered to residents affected by Cleat Hill incident
- Meeting provides update on Cleat Hill incident
- Council responding to incident in Cleat Hill