A disabled Black Country pensioner whose family say his home filled with acrid black fumes after workmen carried out a routine maintenance check has died.

Wheelchair user Gordon Thorp, pictured, was admitted to hospital two weeks after what his brother claims was a minor explosion at his home in Wednesbury following a visit by gas fitters employed by Sandwell Homes, which has now launched an investigation.

Mr Thorp was moved to a nursing home six days ago where he died yesterday.

Wednesbury Councillor Bill Archer says a full investigation is needed to discover whether Mr Thorp’s death was linked to last month’s incident.

The 74-year-old had contacted the Express & Star last month after receiving a letter from Sandwell Homes informing him that access to his St Lukes Road bungalow was required in order for workmen to carry out the annual gas service.

Mr Thorp, who suffered spinal meningitis as a child and had been paralysed since he was six, was upset at the letter which threatened to force entry if he failed to contact them. But only hours after the inspection took place, Mr Thorp told his family he was shocked when the gas fire “blew up”.

Mr Archer said: “No-one is saying the two are linked but there has to be an investigation to establish the facts.”

Chris Poulton, repairs and maintenance director for Sandwell Homes said: “A routine annual gas safety check was carried out to the property on 8 January 2007, which identified no faults.

“We acknowledge Councillor Archer’s request and will be carrying out a full investigation in due course.”