Grandfather is 'lucky to be alive' after windmill blast
The owner of an historic windmill which was destroyed by a gas explosion has admitted he is lucky to be alive - as he launched his bid to rebuilt it.
Ian Thorpe escaped with only minor injuries following the blast in Windmill Lane, Castlecroft, Wolverhampton.
The landmark building was brought down following the blast in October over fears it could collapse.
But now Mr Thorpe, aged 73, has lodged plans with the city council to rebuild his grade II-listed home of 28 years. He suffered burns and was taken to hospital but was not badly hurt.
It has been revealed that the explosion was caused by a leak from the pipework of the gas fire. The windmill dates back to the early 18th century but any fears it would be lost forever have gone away.
The grandfather said: "I was in the base of the tower. I escaped with superficial burns from the explosion so I was very lucky. I survived. The property suffered terrifying damage.
"I was in shock. I had to be taken to hospital but after a check-up I was alright. I was on my own, fortunately. It was all very strange.
"I have spent a lot of money on the property. A 300-year-old tower needs a lot of maintaining."
Mr Thorpe, who has been put up in temporary accommodation nearby since the blast, said it would take around two years for the windmill to be rebuilt.
Although the windmill will be rebuilt, Mr Thorpe said the new building could never be the same.
He said: "It's disappointing for such an iconic building to be destroyed. No matter how we rebuild it, it's not the same.
The explosion caused disruption in the area, with the road having to be closed off due to safety concerns. An online fundraising page was set up following the blast and saw hundreds of pounds raised by well-wishers.
Planning documents submitted with the application said the rebuilt windmill would look largely the same as before.
They said: "The building was substantially damaged in a gas explosion in 2018.
"The proposal is to rebuild the windmill, on a like for like basis, largely to its pre-explosion appearance. The inserted, but now lost, upper chimney breast and external chimney stack will not be reformed because they are not required as no gas fire will be fitted.
"Investigations have indicated that a leak from the pipework of the gas fire filled the chimney flue with gas and caused the explosion. The building owner is extremely lucky to have survived and the reformation of the chimney is consequently a sensitive area."
