28 February 2023 , 11:19
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A huge explosion that shut down a bridge and left traffic gridlocked has seen one rushed to hospital, with the situation ongoing.
Six fire engines and other specialist teams are tackling a large fire in an industrial recycling centre after being called shortly after midnight.
Dramatic images from the scene show an orange ball with black smoke billowing into the sky.
On Twitter, commuters shared images of gridlocked traffic as flames could still be seen during the early morning sun.
Police Scotland said that the M90 Friarton Bridge in Perth, has been closed in both directions due to the explosion at premises in the harbour.
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The bridge remains closed as the ambulance service confirmed they had taken one person to hospital.
A fire at the recycling plant in Perth has forced the closure of the M90 Friarton Bridge (Perthshire Picture Agency)The public are still being urged to avoid the area with diversions having been put in place.
One person wrote on Twitter: "Huge explosion at Perth harbour causing Friarton Bridge to close this morning. Massive plume of smoke can still be seen billowing out. I hope no one was hurt."
Another added: "There has been an explosion at the recycling centre in Perth this morning, and the Friarton bridge is closed. The last time something similar happened, the bridge was closed for most of the day.
The blazes at the recycling plant (Perthshire Picture Agency)"This may impact travel to Dundee tonight. Just a heads up to keep an eye on it."
The Scottish Ambulance Service said it was called out at 12.44am and sent two ambulances and a special operations team to the scene.
The service said: “We transported one patient to Ninewells Hospital.”
A police spokesman said: "Emergency services are at the scene and people are advised to avoid the area."
The fire broke out shortly after midnight (Perthshire Picture Agency)Traffic Scotland tweeted: “The Friarton Bridge remains closed both ways this morning due to a serious fire in the industrial estate below the bridge.
“Police are directing traffic locally through Perth and are asking drivers to avoid the area if possible.”
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Perth and Kinross council tweeted: “Please stay safe if you’re in the harbour area/Friarton and follow advice from emergency services.
“Also be aware of likely impact on roads around Perth due to closure of Friarton Bridge.”
The M90 at Friarton Bridge remains shut while emergency services deal with the fire (@RussellBroon/Twitter)Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire said: “These reports are very concerning and I will be continuing to monitor the situation closely as matters progress.
“I would like to thank all of the emergency services who are working tirelessly at the scene to extinguish the blaze.”
“I very much hope that nobody has been hurt by this incident, and I urge everyone to stay away from the area for the time being.”