Family Says They Had Only Seconds To Escape After Van Exploded Outside Their Huddersfield Home

The Healy family has described a terrifying close call after a van exploded outside their home near Huddersfield on Nov. 27, leaving their house badly damaged just weeks before Christmas.

Two Explosions, Seconds Apart

Members of the household — Daron and Eunice Healy and their daughter Charlotte — told the BBC they heard a "massive bang" when the vehicle erupted into flames. The family said two blasts occurred roughly 20 seconds apart, with the first sending flames up the walls and across the windows and the second fuelling a larger fire around the door and windows.

Seconds To Get Out

Eunice said the family were "unbelievably lucky" to have escaped. "I think we had about 20 seconds between the first explosion, which sent flames up the walls, and the second blast when the fire became really bad all over the door and windows," she told reporters. Daron added that neighbours and workmen in the street were panicking as crews arrived.

Displaced And Facing Uncertainty

The Healys — who have lived in the area for 16 years — say their home is "wrecked" and they are currently staying in hotels and "living out of a suitcase." With the disruption occurring so close to the holidays, Eunice said the family do not know where they will be on Christmas morning and are desperate for a stable place to live.

Investigation And Support

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has logged the incident as accidental. The van belonged to a subcontractor, Lanes Group, which was working on behalf of Yorkshire Water; the company said it will carry out a full investigation and "continue to work closely with all affected parties."

A GoFundMe set up to help the family had raised more than $2,600 as of Dec. 8. The fundraiser notes the family has lost many everyday items and faces financial strain rebuilding ahead of the holidays. The Healys have expressed gratitude for community support but emphasise that finding secure housing is their immediate need.

What Comes Next

Emergency services and the contractor are investigating the exact cause of the blaze. In the meantime, neighbours and local supporters are helping the family while they seek longer-term accommodation.