Victims of Christchurch gas explosion told their insurer they ‘want out’

Owners of a house rendered ‘uninhabitable’ by the explosion say they want a settlement

Victims of Christchurch gas explosion told their insurer they ‘want out’

Insurance News

By Roxanne Libatique

Two victims of a gas explosion in Christchurch said that the tragedy has rendered their home uninhabitable and have told their insurer that they “want out.”

The gas explosion occurred in the Christchurch suburb of Northwood last week, injuring six people and causing widespread damage to properties in the surrounding neighbourhood. According to an RNZ News report, the explosion could be seen up to 100 metres away.

Occupiers had problems earlier in the week.

Evacuated residents told RNZ News that they are staying with friends and relatives until they can find somewhere suitable to rent as they are not sure if they will be allowed back home.

Meanwhile, two of the victims, Indraj Fonseka and his wife Amita, have told RNZ News that they’re not sure if their home is still salvageable, but have already told their insurer that they “want out” and asked for a settlement.

"I have actually spoken to my insurance company and told them I would rather go for a settlement so that I can move on,” Foneska told RNZ News. "[However], they said that I did have that option."

Investigators are still examining the scene to determine the cause of the explosion.

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