Firm reveals blast damage

Tuesday 12th January 2010, 11:29AM GMT.

Huge pieces of debris and masonry outside Morris' building.

One of Shrewsbury’s best known companies today revealed the damage at its Welsh Bridge head office caused by the town blast.

Work to secure the Morris and Company building with scaffolding delayed the full reopening of the nearby Welsh Bridge.

The bridge finally opened to traffic in both directions last night, although it still cannot be accessed from Smithfield Road, with cars being diverted onto Bridge Street.

Explosion archive — click here

Today Robin Morris, chairman of Morris and Company, said: “The Morris Head Office building has sustained major damage.

“Structural engineers have only been allowed limited access to the building over the past week, so we are still awaiting their reports.”

The firm said it was too early to say what the repair costs would be.

Four of those who were seriously injured when the first floor flat they were in collapsed in the blast on January 3 are still being treated at Selly Oak Hospital.

Sam Devine-Turner and Sarah Pearse, both 19, are in a stable condition while Scott Godbold, 23, and Annie Davies, 19, are comfortable and stable.

Theatre Severn pantomime star Kiley McDonnell, who suffered spinal injuries, is at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital where he is serious but stable.

View more: Shrewsbury Explosion news.