WorkSafe has filed charges following an investigation into a gas explosion in a house on Marble Court, Northwood, Christchurch in July last year.

Charges have been filed under the Gas Act 1992 against two defendants following the incident in which a gas explosion caused serious harm to several individuals, destroyed a house and caused significant damage to several other properties in the neighbourhood. 

These charges follow an investigation led by Energy Safety of Worksafe New Zealand, in consultation with the New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Crown Solicitor’s office.

The first appearance for this matter will be on August 18 at 2.15pm in the Christchurch District Court. 

As this matter is currently before the court, WorkSafe was unable to provide comment.

WorkSafe says it has made efforts to contact all persons affected by this incident, but asks that any person affected who has not been in contact with WorkSafe does so via [email protected].