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Rent Hike Ignites Fatal Gas Explosion
30 Mar
Summary
- David Howard threatened to blow up his house after rent increase.
- He intentionally damaged the gas cooker pipe, causing a leak.
- An explosion destroyed his home, killing him and his dog.
On April 12, 2025, David Howard died in a gas explosion that obliterated his Nottinghamshire home, killing him and his dog, Roxy. The explosion occurred after Mr. Howard received a rent increase notice from his landlord. Friends reported that Mr. Howard had stated he would "blow the house up" that day.
An inquest heard that Mr. Howard, who had a history of mental health issues and substance misuse, was distressed about the rent increase. He informed a friend that he had "pulled the pipes" and the house would "go with a bang." He then locked his friends out of the property, urging them to leave to avoid harm, and refused to let Roxy, his dog, be rescued.
Fire investigators determined that damage to the flexible gas pipe of Mr. Howard's cooker was the likely cause of the gas leak. The ignition source was believed to be a damaged fridge/freezer. The coroner concluded that Mr. Howard intentionally caused the damage to the gas cooker, but his specific intent to end his life could not be established.
