On a beautiful summer morning during the school break, an explosion shattered the tranquility of a street in Thornton Heath, south London. The gas blast on Galpin’s Road on 8 August 2022 led to a house collapsing, tragically claiming the life of four-year-old Sahara Salman, who was discovered amidst the debris.

Three years later, her mother, Sana Ahmad, expresses that she feels as though she is “reliving it every single day,” as she reflects on the desperate search for her daughter after “the entire house collapsed on me.”

Surrounding the vacant space where their terraced home once stood, hoardings decorated with toys and heartfelt messages remain a poignant reminder of the life Sana and her family had.

“Every time I walk past that house, it feels like I’m being traumatized all over again,” Sana shares.

In the days leading up to the explosion, numerous local residents had reported a strong gas odor. Consequently, the Metropolitan Police initiated a criminal investigation in 2022.

The community and those who lost so much express their “frustration” regarding the lack of information and the prolonged duration of the investigation.

With tears in her eyes, Sana laughs as she reminisces about her daughter’s brief life. She recounts a day during a Covid lockdown when she noticed an unusual silence downstairs. Upon investigation, she discovered the kitchen filled with “chocolate bubbles” from Sahara and her brother experimenting by mixing milkshake and washing-up liquid in the sink.

“I have some truly wonderful memories of them,” she says, her smile bittersweet.

Rather than displaying anger or resentment, Sana demonstrates a fierce resolve to continue for the sake of Sahara’s sister and two brothers. She speaks about the “profound grief” she has grappled with over the past three years.

“My children ask me really tough questions, and I often have no answers for them,” she admits.

Until the criminal investigation concludes, Sana faces a wait for an inquest, as her daughter’s passing cannot yet be officially recorded.

“I realize that regardless of the outcome of this police investigation, as painful as it may be, it is the cold reality we must face: Sahara is not coming back. She is gone now. Sahara is gone.”

Sana has reached the painful understanding that in the face of everlasting loss, the notion of ‘justice’ becomes meaningless—only an injustice remains.

Situated next to the house embroiled in the explosion, which belonged to Nigel Forde and Elaine McDonald, Sana’s residence was affected significantly. Two years ago, they shared the severity of Elaine’s injuries from the blast.

Now, they have moved into a new home in south-west London. While medical appointments are now “weekly” instead of daily, Elaine’s mental and physical health is slowly on the mend. Yet, she too feels “frustrated” by the absence of answers.

“Three years is a lengthy time to have your life on pause. We need assurance that someone is liable and will be held accountable for what transpired to us, to Sana and her family—along with the residents of Galpin’s Road,” Elaine states.

Both women maintain regular communication with a police liaison officer and the Metropolitan Police. However, Elaine feels she has received “minimal information” throughout this process.

Local residents have reached out to the BBC with grave concerns regarding the ongoing investigation, as well as gas safety practices in general. Reports indicate that gas provider SGN had been conducting infrastructure work in the area prior to the incident. One local communicated, “Those nearby are still deeply unsettled and desperately seek answers.”

They recall a strong gas smell in the weeks leading up to the explosion, coinciding with the utility company’s road excavations.

On the third anniversary of the explosion, the Metropolitan Police dispatched a local neighborhood team to Galpin’s Road, and residents recently received a letter updating them on the investigation.

However, when we inquired about the police’s latest statement, it appeared to be nearly identical to one provided two years prior.

We requested more information and were informed that the investigation entails “a case of corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter” and that they are reviewing “a significant volume of digital evidence.”

A spokesperson indicated: “We have a dedicated team focusing on the investigation full-time and are collaborating closely with our colleagues from the Health and Safety Executive. We have started early engagement with the Crown Prosecution Service, although this is still in the preliminary stages.”

They added that the investigation is “exceptionally complex and detailed,” preventing them from providing a timeline for when conclusions may be drawn.

While she waits for updates, Sana uses social media, hashtagging Justice4Sahara, as a means of navigating her trauma and advocating for improved gas safety measures.

Alongside raising her children, she feels it is her duty to speak candidly about grief in hopes of helping others through similar circumstances.

“Sahara was such a loving, gentle spirit—this is how she would want us to honor her memory.”

For those impacted by the issues raised in this story, support and information can be found on the BBC Advice Line page.