Ayr explosion: 35 homes remain sealed-off after blast destroys house

Around 35 homes remained cordoned off after an explosion ripped through an estate in South Ayrshire.

The blast, which happened in Ayr’s Gorse Park on Monday night, razed one home and caused severe damage to several others.

A 43-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy are currently being treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

A 47-year-old man is receiving treatment at the city’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, while an 11-year-old boy is being cared for at the Royal Hospital for Children.

On Wednesday, South Ayrshire council confirmed 46 properties were safe to return to, however 35 homes remained cordoned off due to damage.

It is likely four homes within the cordon will be demolished.

The incident took place on Monday evening. STV News

Out with the cordon, four homes were significantly damaged and will require extensive repairs before householders can return.

Many residents from the Kincaidston housing estate have spent two nights away from their homes following the blast.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson said: “I know that council teams, the emergency services and partners have been working tirelessly to help as many people as possible to return to their homes.

“This is no easy task and I am relieved that their painstaking work has allowed some families to get back home today. Of course, it’s still very early days and the devastation caused by this tragic event will take considerable time to rectify.

“We are committed to working alongside our communities and partners to support them through the aftermath of this terrible event.”

A “complex” investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, with police adding gas is “one potential being looked at”.

Engineers from gas distribution company SGN remain at the scene as they work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of the blast.

Bradley Barlow, spokesperson for SGN, said: “We’re continuing to assist the emergency services in Gorse Park following an explosion on Monday evening.

“This is a complex incident and we’re supporting several organisations to establish the cause of the explosion.

“We’ll have an ongoing presence on site at this time, with our engineers continuing to monitor our gas network and the surrounding area.

“We’d like to reassure the Ayr community that the gas network remains safe and secure.

“Our thoughts remain with those injured and everyone in the community impacted by this incident.”

South Ayrshire Council said it had been overwhelmed by donations from the public and offers of help from local businesses.

A hub for residents affected by the incident has been set up at Kincaidston Community Pavilion.

If you have been affected by the explosion and require council support, call 0300 123 0900.