Victims’ parents tell of ‘miracle’ escape

Wednesday 6th January 2010, 7:00PM GMT.

Scott Godbold, Sarah Pearse and Sam Devine-Turner were injured

Scott Godbold, Sarah Pearse and Sam Devine-Turner were injured

Annie DaviesThe parents of two victims of the Shrewsbury explosion today spoke of the moment their children were caught up in the terrifying blast.

Scott Godbold and Annie Davies are still being treated in hospital following Sunday’s blast.

Mr Godbold’s father Steve said it was sheer “bad luck” that his son and the others had been caught in the explosion.

Scott, 23, had lived in a flat on the first floor of a building at the corner of Smithfield Road and Bridge Street for about four months with his girlfriend Sarah Pearse and their friend Sam Devine-Turner, both 19. They are also still being treated in hospital.

Mr Godbold said the three flat mates and Annie had gone for a night out on Saturday and had then gone back to the flat for a few drinks.

Annie had stopped over for the night and all were still in the flat when the blast happened.

He said: “That morning it’s bad luck because they were supposed to be at Sarah’s house for a family gathering, but Scott was late getting out of bed and they were running behind time.

“They were all up and dressed and ready to go out when the explosion occurred.”

He added: “Scott was on the landing when the floor just opened up and flames came right through the floor.

“The building collapsed and debris came down on top of him. He could feel flames behind him and he could see people outside.

Screaming

“He started shouting for help and could see people looking. From what he recalls Annie was the first one out of the flat, she fell out in to the street.”

He said Scott clambered through rubble to get out and then he heard Sarah screaming.

He said: “He went back for Sarah and found something on top of her. He lifted it off her and she was able to move. He got her out and someone helped him.

“Then he heard Sam screaming as well and he thinks he went back for her.”

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