Key Points
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Investigations continue after explosion ripped through flats leaving one man dead and three people injured - Emergency services were called to the scene in Alloa, Clackmannanshire, at about 6pm on Sunday
- Eyewitness describes ‘almighty bang’ as block crumbled into ‘inferno’
- Gas and electrical engineers have been at the scene to ensure the area was safe
- The man, who was inside at the time of the blast, has yet to be formally identified
- Part of the roof of the property was ripped off by the blast and a gaping hole has been left in the first floor of the building
Investigations are continuing after an explosion ripped through flats leaving one man dead and three people injured.
Emergency services were called to Alloa, Clackmannanshire, after reports of the blast at Kellie Place at around 6pm on October 6.
One man, who was within the property, was pronounced dead at the scene. He has yet to be formally identified.
Getty ImagesThree others, a 72-year-old man, a 19-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman, were taken to Forth Valley Royal Infirmary for treatment to minor injuries.
Neighbour Rosie Adamson was just sitting watching TV when she heard an “almighty bang”.
“I felt my doors shake,” she told STV News, “I ran into the dining room, looked out and I saw the house, the flames.
“It was up like an inferno.”
CCTV video from a nearby restaurant caught the moment the block of flats exploded on Sunday.
The footage, shared with STV News, shows a mass of orange flames bursting from the property accompanied by a loud bang.
Thick smoke billows from the blast-zone which causes members of the public to run towards the incident.
Part of the roof of the property was ripped off by the blast and a gaping hole has been left in the first floor of the building.
Police said the multi-agency response to the incident was stood down just before midnight but investigations are continuing.
Chief inspector Kat Thompson, area commander, said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened and we continue to work with partner agencies.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and everyone affected in the local community.
“We would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support and officers remain in the area.”
Clackmannanshire Council said a rest centre for those affected was set up at Alloa town hall while gas and electrical work was undertaken onsite, with those affected all managing to find shelter with friends and family overnight.
A spokesperson said: “Council staff will continue to offer support to those affected if they are unable to return to their homes and continue to be on site today supporting the emergency services.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, especially the family of the resident who tragically lost their life.”
@stvnews Investigation work begins following explosion in Alloa #scotland #alloa #news #stvnews ♬ original sound – STV News
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted at 6.00pm on Sunday, October 6, to multiple reports of an explosion and a fire within a house in Kellie Place, Alloa.
“Operations Control immediately mobilised a number of resources to the including specialist Urban Search and Rescue Unit and a heavy rescue unit.
“Three people were rescued from the building and required treatment for minor injuries.
Paul Smith“Sadly, one man who was in the building at the time of the explosion was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was safe, however the public may see appliances at the scene as we continue to monitor the building and assist with investigation efforts.”
Engineers from the Scottish Gas Network arrived at the scene to ensure the area was made safe following the explosion.
Dan Brown, spokesperson for gas company SGN, said: “Our sympathies are with all those affected following the explosion at Kellie Place in Alloa.
“Our engineers have been on site since yesterday evening, as part of the emergency response, and are continuing to support the incident today while ensuring the area is safe.”
Keith Brown, MSP for the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency, said: “My immediate thoughts are of sympathy with the family and friends of the man who has died, and to send best wishes for full and speedy recoveries to those injured.
“As ever, in situations like this, many thanks are due to the emergency services for the way in which they have responded.
“There will be understandable concerns, particularly amongst residents of neighbouring properties, about the cause of this explosion and the extent of the damage to other homes.
“I know that the relevant authorities will be working hard to provide information, reassurance and assistance as quickly and efficiently as they can.”
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