Written by Business Owner and Engineer Jailed After Campervan Gas Explosion Injures Customer
On Tuesday, 25 February 2025, Carl Smith, owner of Ivy Lane Campers, and Nigel Crellin were prosecuted at Grimsby Crown Court for fraudulently providing false gas safety documents for a campervan that exploded, leaving a customer with burn injuries.
The explosion occurred when the customer used the campervan’s gas stove for the first time. A leaking gas cylinder caused a blast that burned the customer’s hand, leg, and foot and blew the cooker cupboard door off its hinges. The victim’s injuries were severe enough that hospital staff had to cut off their wedding ring in the emergency department.
An investigation by North Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards revealed that Smith had employed Crellin to inspect the vehicle after the explosion. Crellin falsified paperwork to make it appear that the campervan had previously been safe and that the correct gas safety documents were in place. He invented a business name and provided a fake Gas Safe ID number on the documents.
Crellin pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud for creating false documentation. Smith admitted to failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and committing fraud by false representation.
The court heard that on 16 August 2023, while the victim and their family were inside the campervan, the gas hob was used to cook a meal. Without warning, the gas canister inside the cupboard ignited, causing a flash fire and sending the cupboard door flying off.
Passing sentence, Judge Singh said:
“An immediate custodial term is the appropriate punishment. To do otherwise would send the wrong message. Three people were put at risk in a confined space, and the cover-up was systematic.”
Smith received a 16-month prison sentence, while Crellin was sentenced to 14 months, both to be served immediately.
The prosecution was led by Barrister Jordan Millican of Exchange Chambers Leeds, alongside North Lincolnshire Council’s Litigation team.
Cllr Carl Sherwood, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing (Rural), commented:
*”It is reassuring to see rogue traders held accountable for their actions. By neglecting proper safety checks, they put lives at risk—and their attempt to cover it up is completely unacceptable.
“Protecting public safety is crucial, and it is important to raise awareness about what to look out for to prevent similar incidents.
“Be cautious of traders advertising on social media without conducting additional checks. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
“If you have concerns about any businesses or traders, report them to help protect both consumers and the honest business community from rogue traders.”