Overview

• Reece Galbraith, 33, admitted to two counts of manslaughter and drug offences in connection with the October 2024 explosion in Benwell, Newcastle.
• The explosion, caused by butane gas used to produce cannabis concentrates, killed Archie York, 7, and Jason Laws, 33, and left multiple families homeless.
• Investigators found over 100 butane canisters and drug lab equipment in the flat, linking Galbraith to the illegal operation.
• The blast destroyed six out of twelve flats, caused £3.7 million in damages, and permanently displaced dozens of residents.
• Northumbria Police continue to warn of the extreme dangers of amateur cannabis extraction and urge the public to report suspicious activity involving butane canisters or drug lab setups.