New home rising from site of huge Wolverhampton gas blast
It was razed to the ground in a gas blast which reduced it to merely rubble.
Now, after extensive work, a new home is rising from the site in Wolverhampton and nearing completion.
The construction of the outer shell of the property in Penn Road is almost done, though further works are still needed inside.
The house, which is owned by Wendy Ayoub, was completely flattened by a shock gas blast in December 2015.
Work began on clearing the debris of the former house last year, with boards installed around the property as work was carried out.
Mrs Ayoub, who was 73 at the time, was miraculously saved from serious harm after a hole opened up in her kitchen floor and her washing machine fell on her in the hole, sheltering her from harm.
The blast was felt by motorists passing by the house, with taxi drivers reporting that the force of the blast blew out their windows. Mrs Ayoub suffered just a broken ankle and heels when she was dug out of the rubble of her former home.
She was treated at New Cross Hospital and later at Eversleigh Care Centre on Albert Road last year when it was revealed she was looking to have her former home rebuilt.
Neighbour Daljit Uppal, whose family home was also seriously damaged in the blast, has also had his house restored to its former glory.
The family home had seen its dining room wall caved in during the blast, as well as damage to the then newly-decorated kitchen. Extensive structural works had to be carried out there too in order to make it safe again.
Previously, the Uppal home also suffered two burglaries at the hand of opportunist thieves who targeted the house in January this year.
Now, Mrs Ayoub's property is well on its way to being finished, with little sign of the destruction the blast caused.
Speaking of the development, Mr Uppal, said: "It's wonderful to see it as it is now.
"We're looking forward to welcoming Wendy back and seeing the house when it's complete.
"I know a lot of the outer works have been done but there is still a lot of work to be done on the inside like the electrics, plastering and decoration."
