Dianne Yates, Director at Hilary Meredith Solicitors, has successfully settled the New Ferry explosion litigation.
On 25th March 2017 at 9.14pm in the evening, on the night before Mother's Day, the largest explosion in Merseyside since WWII tore out part of New Ferry shopping district and destroyed many homes in New Ferry and historic Port Sunlight village.
In 2019, Pascal Blasio received a 20-year jail sentence after being been found guilty of deliberately causing the explosion to make an insurance claim. The "apocalyptic" explosion injured 81 people and caused "utter devastation". 63 properties were either destroyed or damaged and the court heard how it was a “miracle” no-one died.
Dianne led multiple claimant firms in the 7-year long legal action seeking justice.
The claimants argued that 2 major UK gas suppliers contributed to Blasio causing the explosion by failing to disconnect the gas supply.
In 2019, Contract Natural Gas (CNG), the company that supplied gas to Blasio’s property, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £320,000 and ordered to pay £50,000 towards prosecution costs in the criminal case.
The civil case was listed for trial in February 2025 but has now settled after a 2.5 day mediation by Richard Methuen KC.
Commenting on the case, Dianne Yates said:
“7 years ago, the New Ferry Explosion, caused in part by Mr Blasio, wrecked lives and livelihoods. It destroyed a neighbourhood. We were privileged to act as lead claimant in an action involving multiple claimant and defendant firms. I would like to thank the team at Hilary Meredith Solicitors for their tireless work on this case. I would also like to thank the other claimant and defendant firms for their collaborative approach. Finally, justice has been done.”
Hilary Meredith Solicitors instructed counsel Christopher Melton KC and Anthony Mazzag on behalf of the claimants.
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