The Coroner told the inquiry that while the explosion could have been caused by a person or persons unkown there was no evidence to support that theory.

She recommended that the Lithgow City Council expedite the redeveloment of the site by conferring with Howard and Sons and WorkCover.

Cheryl Van Der Velden, whose house was quite extensively damaged in the expolosion, said she was still extremely nervous about the incident.

“They [at the inquest] couldn’t tell us what caused the fire and explosion and many people will feel uncomfortable with the coroner’s findings,” Mrs Van Der Velden.

Cheryl and her husband Pip have moved to a new house in Lidsdale.

She said although there has been an increase in security and measures taken to prevent the incident happening again, there will always be anxiety that something similar could happen.