DEVASTATING pictures show the aftermath of a gas explosion at a house in Croydon.
The incident happened in Galpin’s Road just after 7am on August 8.
A girl, believed to be four years old, who has locally been named as Sahara Salman, died after she was recovered from the house.
Three other people were found injured and taken to hospital for further treatment.
A fourth person was treated at the scene.
Pictures from the scene show the road still cordoned off two days after the incident.
It also shows the house damaged following the blast with debris left remaining.
Six to eight homes were also left damaged following the incident.
Around 80 homes were evacuated after the cordon was extended on Tuesday over fears for the safety of people.
The council has provided assistance to more than 200 residents, including helping with food and accommodation.
Road closures will remain in place while the incident is dealt with.
Firefighters said investigations to establish the cause are ongoing.
Delroy Simms, 62, whose shutters blew off his windows during the explosion, told the PA news agency he could smell gas for “at least two weeks” before the blast, describing the situation as “a time bomb”.
Mr Simms, who has been evacuated to a nearby hotel with five members of his family, was hailed as a “hero” alongside Kutoya Kukanda, 50, after they rescued three children from the rubble.
The resident said he was with his neighbour when she called the gas company on Wednesday – five days before the explosion.
Mr Simms told PA on Tuesday: “She was telling them, ‘The smell, it’s really, really strong, someone needs to be here’.
“I was there during the conversation.”
Describing the smell, Mr Simms, a sales assistant, said: “It was potent.
“I remember on the Sunday my wife said, ‘That gas is really strong, they should be evacuating us’.
“That day I came home from work, got out of the car and started with an instant headache.
“It was a time bomb waiting to happen.”
Mr Simms said he now feels so unsafe in his home he is considering moving away.
Merton Council leader Ross Garrod said the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) told him the situation had not stabilised since the explosion and criticised insurance companies for “refusing basic accommodation” for those affected.
Speaking on Tuesday evening, Mr Garrod said: “Firstly, I would like to say that the thoughts of everyone remain with the family of the young girl who tragically lost her life.
“This morning the Health and Safety Executive attended Galpin’s Road to begin investigations.
“Southern Gas Networks (SGN) also remain on site.
“The HSE immediately advised that the cordon be extended to 200 metres.
“There is still a strong smell of gas and we understand the leak may take some days to stop.
“I would like to stress that this is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents.
“We are also facing real challenges, not least among the response of insurance companies, many of whom are refusing basic accommodation for homeowners. This is unacceptable.”
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: "Police were called shortly after 7am on Monday, 8 August following reports of a fire and explosion at a residential property in Galpin’s Road, Mitcham.
“London Fire Brigade attended and the body of a child, believed to be a four-year-old girl, was recovered from a building.
“Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
“An investigation into the cause of the incident, alongside colleagues from the LFB, remains ongoing.
“Road closures will remain in place around the scene while this work continues.”
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