Benwell, England — The tragic loss of seven-year-old Archie York in a house explosion has spurred his parents to take action against the dangers of illegal cannabis production. The explosion, which occurred in October 2024, was linked to an underground cannabis lab situated directly beneath their home, leaving devastation in its wake.
Archie was killed in the blast, which also claimed the life of 35-year-old Jason Laws. Reece Galbraith, the man responsible for the explosion, received a 14-year prison sentence for his role in the incident. In an effort to raise awareness about the hazardous nature of cannabis manufacturing, Archie’s parents, Robbie and Katherine York, are collaborating with Newcastle City Council. Their goal is to educate the public about the risks associated with cannabis concentrates known as shatter.
In a report detailing their experience, Robbie York recounted the haunting moments before the explosion. After dozing off with Archie on the sofa, he awoke to the devastating blast. “I immediately looked for Archie… I couldn’t find him,” Robbie shared. The loss weighs heavily on him. “It is mental torture daily for me to think I could not save my little boy.”
Cannabis shatter, a potent concentrate that can be inhaled through vaping devices, is often produced in dangerous conditions using flammable butane gas. Authorities recovered more than 100 butane canisters from the wreckage of the family’s home. The local council estimated that the explosion caused over £3.7 million in damages, displacing 81 adults and 59 children from 51 homes, with ten families permanently relocated.
Robbie expressed outrage over the negligence exhibited by Galbraith and Laws. “They had no thought for the risks they posed to the people living nearby,” he said, emphasizing the dangerous proximity of their illicit operations. “We had no idea it was happening so close to us.”
The Yorks have shared their story in a document that highlights both their personal tragedy and practical advice for recognizing shatter manufacturing. The council plans to present this report during an upcoming meeting, from which they hope to disseminate the information nationally to housing officers and social workers. Its purpose is to increase awareness and ultimately help dismantle such dangerous facilities.
Local authorities warn that unlike conventional cannabis farms, shatter labs typically don’t emit the distinctive smell associated with cannabis plants. Instead, other indicators such as unusual ventilation systems and chemical odors may reveal their presence. The York family is determined to ensure that no other family experiences the pain and loss that they have endured.