Mother-of-five died after gas blast in kitchen, inquest hears

by · Mail Online

A mother-of-five who died after a terrifying gas explosion ripped through her home, suffered 95 per cent burns to her body, an inquest has heard.

Charlane Burvill, 60, suffered devastating burns after the unexpected blast in her kitchen in Charing, Kent, on the morning of September 19.

Neighbours rushed to the property to find Charlane standing outside her home in a state of shock — still talking and trying to get to her car as explosions continued to ring out. 

The mother was airlifted to King's College Hospital in London, but died the next morning after doctors had no choice but to withdraw life support. 

Opening her inquest yesterday, Coroner Catherine Wood described the cause of Mrs Burvill's death as 95 per cent burns from a domestic explosion.

She told Maidstone's Oakwood House: 'Members of the public found Mrs Burvill outside badly burned and talking and trying to get into her car.

'The house continued exploding.'

An aerial view of the aftermath of the explosion at Charlane Burvill's bungalow in Charing, Kent 
Fire crews working at the scene of the explosion in Charing 

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She said that a 'significant' kitchen liquified petroleum gas (LPG) is suspected to have triggered the explosion, which happened shortly before midday.

However, Kent Fire and Rescue Service is yet to release the final results of its investigation.

The tragic incident sparked a huge emergency response, with police, fire, and ambulance crews all called to the scene.

Nearby residents and shopkeepers were evacuated, with police cordons blocking access the road.

Fire crews were at the scene of the incident for almost 10 hours.

The tragic incident sparked a huge emergency response, with police, fire, and ambulance crews all called to the scene

A witness who spoke to KentOnline at the time said: 'It was an unimaginable bang – everything shook and you can see where the bungalow was. You wouldn't wish it on anyone.'

Mrs Burvill, a receptionist, lived at the property with her husband John, a motor mechanic. The couple was regularly visited by their five adult children.

On the day of the explosion, their dog walked from the rubble towards firefighters and was placed under the care of a vet.

Ms Wood adjourned the inquest into Mrs Burvill's death until January 10.