Inquiries by police and the fire service continued yesterday into an explosion that claimed the lives of two people a month ago.

Oscar and Jove Mascarinas were killed by the blast that gutted an apartment block at Hilltop Court in Southampton.

Police said earlier that gas could have caused the explosion, which injured three other people and collapsed part of the building at about 8.50pm on May 2.

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said yesterday: “The joint investigation by the Bermuda Police Service as well as the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service into the May 2, 2022 explosion at a Hilltop Court, Southampton home that claimed the lives of married couple Oscar and Jove Mascarinas and injured three other men continues.

“Once the investigation has concluded, a decision will be made regarding whether a file will be sent to the Coroner, the Department of Public Prosecutions, or both.”

Mr Mascarinas, 49, and his 50-year-old wife were guest workers from the Philippines.

Mrs Mascarinas’s work included child minding, while her husband was a well-liked member of staff at Aberfeldy Nurseries, Paget, who tended plant displays in offices and businesses across the island.