What happened at the home in Nelson, Caerphilly?

An explosion and subsequent fire occurred at a home in Nelson, Caerphilly, resulting in the deaths of an elderly couple.

Who were the victims of the Heol Fawr explosion?

The victims were Marlene Mumford, 84, and William John Mumford, 90.

Were there any suspicious circumstances in the Nelson explosion?

No, investigations found no suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Elderly Couple Perish in Fiery Home Explosion

Elderly Couple Perish in Fiery Home Explosion

19 Jan

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Summary

An elderly couple, aged 84 and 90, died in a house explosion.
Firefighters faced significant challenges entering the damaged property.
No suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement were found.

Elderly Couple Perish in Fiery Home Explosion

Marlene Mumford, 84, and William John Mumford, 90, were tragically found deceased in their Heol Fawr home following a significant explosion. The incident, which occurred on December 12, 2025, led to a fire that severely damaged the property. Emergency responders encountered considerable difficulties gaining access due to the extent of the blaze and structural instability.

Firefighters discovered the couple after managing to enter the home. Identification was later confirmed through DNA analysis for both Marlene, a former factory worker born in Nelson, and William, a former coalminer born in Rhymney. Investigations into the explosion, which Gwent Police stated occurred in the garden, are ongoing.

Senior coroner Caroline Saunders confirmed that the inquests revealed no suspicious circumstances or involvement of a third party. The provisional cause of death for both individuals was attributed to exposure to combustion products. Full inquest hearings are scheduled for October, with the community expressing deep sadness over the tragic event.