In a tragic incident at a residential building in Benwell, Newcastle, a young boy named Archie York lost his life in an explosion caused by an illegal cannabis operation in October 2024. The boy’s mother, Katherine Errington, recounted the harrowing moment when she realized her son was no more. The explosion, which also claimed the life of 35-year-old Jason Laws, was the result of a butane buildup during the production of cannabis-infused sweets by Reece Galbraith and Laws.
Katherine, along with her partner Robbie York, has supported a new initiative by Newcastle City Council to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents. She emphasized Archie’s helpful nature and expressed her desire to assist others as her son did, aiming to spare families from enduring similar tragedies.
Describing the chaos and panic she experienced during the explosion, Katherine vividly detailed the ordeal of searching for her son amidst the wreckage. The couple had to face the heartbreaking task of identifying Archie from dental records and clothing. Robbie expressed his profound grief and anger towards those responsible for the tragedy, highlighting the immense loss they have to endure.
Coun Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, commended the couple’s courage in sharing their story as a cautionary tale about the dangers of illicit drug production. She stressed the importance of awareness and vigilance in preventing such catastrophes and protecting communities from harm.
The signs indicating illegal cannabis “shatter” factories were outlined to help the public recognize and report suspicious activities. Awareness and proactive measures were underscored as crucial in averting similar incidents in the future.
