Tributes paid to a 'dear friend and true gent' after man dies following Selston explosion
Tributes have been paid to a ‘competitive racer and dear friend’ who died at his Selston property on Saturday.
Car-lover Derek Poole (91) was in the workshop at his Church Lane address when the explosion happened.
Emergency services were called to Church Lane at 7.18 pm where they discovered the body of Derek in the wreckage.
Mr Poole, who has lived locally for decades, used to be an autograss racer and was a much-loved dad, grand-dad and great grand-dad.
Nottingham Autograss Club member Ted Shillitto paid tribute to Derek’s legacy.
"It is difficult to put into a few words what effect Derek had on the Autograss world, I'd say an immense effect,” he said.
“A true gentleman,a very competitive racing driver and a dear friend to so many. Thanks for all the memories Derek.”
Writing on the club’s facebook page Andrew Emery wrote: “Derek (or Grassin' Grandad) was an immense presence in his Fiat X19 when I came into grassing in the early/mid 80's, and a gentleman too.
“Over the years, Derek and a few others who are no longer with us, helped me enormously, and I will never forget him and them. Rest In Peace Derek, you were one of grassin’s best.”
Friend Richard Wightman added how Derek had been a great guy as well as a good racer.
"Very sad news of the passing of Derek Poole following an explosion in his workshop,” he said. "He was one of the sports superstars during his time in autograss and a really genuine guy, our thoughts are with his family.”
Road closures were put in place at the junction of Church Lane and Station Road, and Church Lane and Stoney Lane following the incident.
Residents from around the area were evacuated as emergency services worked at the scene, including firefighters from Ashfield, Alfreton, Eastwood and Ripley.
A joint fire and police investigation has now been launched, with an inquest to follow in due course.
Detective Sergeant Millie Gillett, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this difficult time.
“They continue to be supported by our officers. There is no indication at this stage of any wider threat to the public, and it’s being treated as an isolated incident.
“I would also like to acknowledge the cooperation of local residents and thank them for their patience.”
Group Manager Jonathan Holford, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “On behalf of everyone at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the man’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragic incident.
“Our crews worked alongside partner agencies throughout the incident, and we would also like to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation while emergency services carried out their work.”