Family escape explosion in their home - but ‘lose everything’

The explosion was believed to have been caused by a lighter re-fill cannister
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A young family say they have lost everything after an explosion led to a major fire destroying their home.

It happened at the family home of Inga Balasova and Maris Tillers in Staveley Crescent in Southmead on December 29.

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More than 30 firefighters attended, but were unable to save the property or anything inside.

Speaking to BristolWorld, Inga, aged 35, said she was resting in her bedroom when she heard the explosion from her eldest son’s bedroom.

It came only minutes after 17-year-old Miks had left his bedroom to help his disabled twin brothers Criss and Ryan, aged nine, downstairs.

Maris Tillers and Inga Balasova and their young family lost everything in the house fireMaris Tillers and Inga Balasova and their young family lost everything in the house fire
Maris Tillers and Inga Balasova and their young family lost everything in the house fire

On hearing the explosion, Inga said she opened her eyes to discover huge cracks in the wall.

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She dashed downstairs to get the family out as the property’s fire alarm began to sound.

The fire, believed to have been caused by a lighter re-fill cannister exploding, left the home gutted with everything inside either burnt or damaged.

Inga said: “The house is completely destroyed, we lost everything inside - I’m only so thankful that we are all okay, and that my oldest son left his room when he did.”

Inside Miks room where the explosion happenedInside Miks room where the explosion happened
Inside Miks room where the explosion happened

Describing what happened, she said: “I was feeling tired so went up to rest on my bed, and asked my oldest son to stop what he was doing in his room and go downstairs and help by twin sons.

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“My partner was on the way home from work and I knew he wasn’t going to be long, so I lay down and closed my eyes.

“I then heard an explosion. I opened my eyes and saw huge cracks in my bedroom wall. I knew straight away I had to get out with my family.

“When outside we watched the fire. I was very upset but also relieved we got out safe and my son was not in the room when the explosion happened.”

Following the fire, Inga was moved to emergency accommodation in Fishponds by Bristol City Council with her partner Maris and children Miks, Raivo, 13, and Ryan and Criss, who both have cerebral palsy.

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But they are without all of their belongings including specially-made hoists for Ryan and Criss.

Looking up to the fire-damaged roof at the family homeLooking up to the fire-damaged roof at the family home
Looking up to the fire-damaged roof at the family home

And despite hopes they will be back in the property in Southmead in three months, the family still face the challenge of finding new clothes, furniture and electrical appliances as they did not have insurance.

To help, Inga’s sister Liga, who lives in Nottinghamshire, has started a fundraiser page which has already hit its target of raising £1,000.

Inga said: “Through everything we have been through, this has really helped us and I’d like to say a massive thank you to people who have show their support.

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“I know for some even a couple of pounds is not alot, but to us it is the world and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

The fire happened on December 29, shortly before 2pm.

Fire crews from Temple, Southmead, Avonmouth, Patchway, Bedminster and Kingswood were in attended.

Pictures taken by Inga in a visit to the property after the fire show the fire and flood damage inside.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the cause was accidental.

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