A GRANGE resident who was ‘metres away’ from a rock falling from the sky after an unannounced controlled explosion has warned there ‘could’ve been a fatality’.

On Friday September 30, an unannounced controlled explosion took place at the site of a housing development in Grange off Allithwaite Road.

Residents reported that the explosion resulted in debris and rocks flying into people’s gardens.

A spokesperson for the developer Lancet Homes confirmed no reports of injuries but said they are taking all ‘necessary measures’ to investigate the incident.

One Grange resident told the local democracy reporting service she was walking from Allithwaite towards Grange past the building site when a ‘massive explosion’ occurred metres away.

She said: “A rock the size of a tennis ball, fell from the sky just a few metres away from me and then bounced into the road. I thought I was in a warzone; it was so shocking.”

“The cattle just went berserk in the field next to me. I can’t believe an explosion like that was carried out without any warning.”

A spokesperson for the developer said: “Lancet Homes Ltd. (as developer) and Modlar Ltd. (as main contractor) are investigating reports of an incident at our housing development site at Allithwaite Road, Kent’s Bank, on the afternoon of Friday 27th September.

“A specialist ground works contractor was attending site that day, and they are assisting with our investigations. We take health and safety extremely seriously.  The Health & Safety Executive have been informed.

“We confirm no reports of injuries, we are taking all necessary measures to investigate the incident, and to ensure the site and surrounding areas remain safe”

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron said it is ‘absolutely critical’ an incident like this does not happen again.

Mr Farron said: “My office has been inundated with phone calls and emails from worried residents about the controlled explosion on Allithwaite Road.

“The explosion has understandably caused huge anxiety.

“Thankfully it sounds like no one was hurt or no property was damaged, but next time we might not be so lucky.”

Mr Farron said he has written to Westmorland and Furness Council’s planning department asking them to ensure the developer does not carry out explosions without notice or safety barriers in place to minimise damage.

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “We received reports of an unannounced controlled explosion at that site on Friday and we are aware that the developer has reported it to the HSE for investigation.”

The Health and Safety Executive has been contacted for comment.