Doctors went 'above and beyond' to save Scots tourist who died after B&B explosion

Italian medical teams went “above and beyond” to save the life of a Scots tourist after an explosion destroyed his holiday accommodation in Rome.

Grant Paterson was visiting the Italian capital when the blast destroyed the B&B he was staying in in the city’s Monteverde district.

The 54-year-old, from East Kilbride, was pulled from the rubble by firefighters after the explosion on Sunday, March 23.

He was taken to Sant’Eugenio Hospital with injuries to his legs and third-degree burns to 75% of his body.

His condition was described as critical while more than £10,000 was donated to a fundraiser set up to support his daughter.

Mr Paterson passed away at 9am on Tuesday.

A hospital spokesperson said that staff were dedicated to providing care to the man, whose condition was “extremely critical.”

Glasgow & West

Scots tourist dies after explosion at B&B in Rome

Grant Paterson was visiting Rome when a suspected gas leak destroyed the B&B he was staying in.

They said: “It is painful to share this news, and we can assure you that all the doctors and staff at Sant’Eugenio Hospital did everything possible—going above and beyond—in an effort to save him.

“From the very beginning, his condition was extremely critical, but he received continuous and dedicated care throughout. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew Mr. Paterson”.

Friend of Mr Paterson, Chris Gibson, described him as a man with “strong values”.

He told STV News: “Everyone who has worked with Grant is going to miss him. A big man in stature as well as character, he had strong values and opinions and he loved a good debate”.

Mr Paterson worked for CalMac for more than a decade and was part of its catering crew on the MV Clansman ferry.

Diane Burke, CalMac’s chief operating officer, said the company was “distraught” and described the man as “larger-than-life”.

She said: “He was a true gentleman and a credit to MV Clansman, the vessel he served aboard.

“During a distinguished 12-year career with us, he embodied the very best of CalMac and, with his larger-than-life character, he was much-loved by colleagues and passengers alike.”

She added: “Our thoughts are with Grant’s friends and family at this extremely difficult time.”

Roberto Gualtieri, mayor of Rome, said initial findings suggest the explosion may have been caused by a gas leak.