Family of four-year-old killed in gas explosion still sleeping on the floor six months later

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

The family of a four-year-old girl killed in a gas explosion are still sleeping on the floor six months on from the tragedy.

Sahara Salman died after the explosion in Galpin’s Road, which saw the evacuation of hundreds of residents, on August 8, 2022.

Merton council still hasn’t found a “suitable property” for the victims of the disaster in Pollards Hill, close to Thornton Heath.

The young girl’s mum and three siblings are still sleeping on the floor at a family member’s house a few doors down from their former home.

In a statement, Sahara’s mum, Sana Ahmad, said: “As a parent, it is a nightmare come true to know that my daughter lost her life in the very bed where she should have felt safe and secure.

“My last memory of her is kissing her goodnight, telling her how much I loved her, and promising to see her in the morning.

“Sahara was a shining star in our lives, and her absence is felt deeply.

“Despite this tragedy, we are still homeless and sleeping on the floor.

“My three children and I have lost everything, and it’s devastating to see them without their belongings and a place to call home.”

Merton council said it was “continuing its efforts” to find a suitable home for the family. But Ms Ahmad said the wait for a home has felt “like torture”.

She added: “It’s difficult to understand why the council is struggling to find a suitable home for us to live in after such a long time, and it feels like torture to be left to suffer like this.”

The mum’s legal representative, Faryaal Hussain, from Our Voice Law Group, slammed Merton council for not finding the family a home.

She said: “The council needs to house her. It is ridiculous, she is living in a living room with three children.”

Merton council leader Ross Garrod said: “The gas explosion at Galpin’s Road has devastated our community and it will be a while before we have the answers that we need.

“Since that tragic day six months ago the council has been doing everything it can to support those affected, including Ms Ahmad and her family.

“We are continuing our efforts to find a suitable property for the family.”

Pictured top: Sana Ahmad with her legal representative Faryaal Hussain from Our Voice (Picture: Our Voice)