One person dead and three injured following an explosion at a block of flats

07 October 2024 , 10:23

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The explosion has caused major damage (Picture: Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS)

One man has died and at least three more people have been injured after an explosion ripped through a block of flats.

The explosion happened at about 6pm on Sunday at the flats in Alloa in Clackmannanshire, Scotland.

One man, who was inside the building at the time, was killed in the explosion and pronounced dead at the scene.

Three others were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The building has been seriously damaged in the explosion (Picture: SWNS)

Nearby Alloa Town Hall has been opened up as a respite centre for people who lived in the other flats inside the building.

Shocking photos show the block of flats missing a huge chunk of its roof as smoke poured out of the massive hole.

The fire service sent several crews to the scene, including a heavy rescue unit and urban search and rescue teams.

Smoke was pouring from the building (Picture: Facebook)

The street has been blocked off by police (Picture: Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS)

Brian Alexander, 45, a care worker who lives on the street told the Scottish Sun: ‘I was at home watching the television and then there was an almighty bang.

‘I knew right away it was something serious and not fireworks.

‘When I went to have a look the house down the street was missing the roof and part of the front was hanging off.

‘It is quite scary. We cannot get into our homes just now.’

Police Scotland declared a major incident after the explosion, with several roads closed around the scene at Kellie Place.

The town hall was opened up for residents who had been told to leave their homes following the explosion.

Those closures have since been lifted, but there may be future gas and electrical work carried out on the building.

Sergeant Neill Drummond said: ‘We are still working to establish the full circumstances of what happened at this property, however, we can confirm that one male has passed away.

‘Our enquiries to confirm his identity and provide his next of kin with all the necessary support they may require are ongoing.

‘We are grateful to the local community for their continued co-operation and support of our investigation, and we’ll provide more information in due course.’

Elizabeth Baker