Gas explosions are rare, but when they happen, the consequences are devastating. Entire homes can be destroyed in seconds. People can be seriously injured. And in many cases, it’s all because of something that could have been prevented.
One of the less known causes of household gas explosions is meter tampering. It might be done to steal energy to cut bills, but the risks are huge and potentially devastating. This article explains how explosions happen, the warning signs, and what to do if you suspect something’s not right.
How Gas Explosions Happen
A gas explosion occurs when natural gas leaks into an enclosed space, mixes with air, and meets a spark or flame.
Natural gas becomes highly explosive when it reaches a concentration of 5–15% in air - known as the flammable range. If this mixture finds an ignition source, like a light switch, a cooker spark, match or even static from clothing, the result can be catastrophic.
Even something as simple as flicking a switch can detonate a room filled with leaking gas.
Find out more about the signs of gas meter tampering in our video featuring Gavin the Gas Meter
Common Causes of Gas Explosions in Homes
Most explosions begin with a leak as gas can build up silently and explode suddenly.
In UK homes, the gas involved is usually mains-supplied natural gas (methane). But in some cases, especially in rural areas, caravans, or mobile homes, bottled gas (such as propane or butane) is used, and this can also pose a serious risk if mishandled or poorly maintained.
The most common causes include:
- Tampered or bypassed gas meters or pipework
- Faulty appliances such as cookers or boilers
- Poor-quality DIY gas work
- Corroded or damaged pipes
While not all gas leaks are caused by tampering, messing with the meter remains a common factor in many cases investigated by fire and rescue services
Case Study: Darlington Gas Explosion
In 2022, a council flat in Darlington was torn apart by a gas explosion. A man inside the flat was blown into the street, seriously injured. Windows shattered. Walls buckled. The community was left shaken.
The cause? A deliberate gas pipe bypass in the empty flat below Emergency responders confirmed that tampering was the direct cause of the leak that led to the explosion.
Other Dangerous Gas Incidents
While not all gas explosions are linked to meter tampering, similar cases continue to make headlines.
In Swansea, a major gas explosion in 2020 levelled homes and hospitalised several people. Though no tampering was confirmed, the scale of destruction highlighted how quickly things can go wrong.
In the Swansea incident, young mum Jess Williams suffered burns on about 70% of her body, spent 14 weeks in Morriston Hospital, and had to be placed in an induced coma for a month.
Her sons, aged five and two at the time, both suffered burns to about 28% of their bodies. "Having the scars are just a daily reminder as well of what's happened", she says.
Health and Property Risks
A gas explosion doesn’t just affect the person who caused it, it puts everyone nearby in danger.
Risks include:
- Serious burns
- Injury from flying debris
- Death or life-changing injuries
- Structural collapse of homes or buildings
- Damage to neighbouring properties
- Fires triggered by the explosion
- Evacuation or long-term displacement
And even if there is no explosion, gas leaks still pose serious risks. Prolonged exposure can cause dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, and in some cases, unconsciousness. Pets acan also be affected.
Penalties, Safety and What to Do If You Suspect Tampering
Tampering with a gas meter isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal.
Penalties include:
- Fines up to £20,000,
- Prison sentences for serious offences
- Being struck off as a company director or landlord
- Voided home insurance for tampering-related incidents (you could lose everything)
What to do if you’re concerned:
If you notice damaged meters, or extra pipework around the meter, bills that don’t reflect usage, or smell gas near a meter, do not approach or confront anyone.
- For gas leaks, If it is safe to do so, switch off the gas supply at the emergency control valve (EVC), leave the area immediately and call the National Gas Emergency Line: 0800 111 999.
- If you suspect meter tampering call 0800 023 2777 or fill in the online form 100% anonymously.
- Always use Gas Safe registered engineers.
- Encourage neighbours, landlords or businesses to act if something looks wrong.