Shatter Cannabis Lab Explosion Kills Child in Newcastle

A devastating explosion in Benwell, Newcastle, claimed the lives of seven-year-old Archie York and Jason Laws in October 2024. The incident stemmed from a cannabis production operation run by Reece Galbraith, who was subsequently sentenced to 14 years in prison for his role in the tragedy. The explosion occurred during the making of cannabis gummy sweets, highlighting the dangers of the 'shatter' method of cannabis extraction. Katherine Errington, Archie's mother, shared her grief, stating, "I just heard this loud screaming...then one of the sergeants came around and they said, 'But look, we've found Archie, but he's gone, he's not here.'" The report reveals that 'shatter' involves using butane gas to extract THC from cannabis plants. The volatile nature of butane makes this process extremely hazardous. Any gas with explosive properties, such as butane, requires precise handling. Even a small spark can trigger a catastrophic event. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with illegal drug production and the devastating consequences for innocent bystanders.