Flat block explosion which killed man not caused by gas mains, says SGN

Emergency services were called to Alloa on Sunday evening at around 6pm following reports of a blast on Kellie Place.

Alloa flat block explosion which killed man not caused by gas mains, says SGNSTV News
Key Points
  • Emergency services were called to Kellie Place in Alloa at around 6pm on Sunday following reports of a blast
  • Graham Green was within the property at the time and was pronounced dead at the scene
  • Scottish Gas Network has confirmed that the incident was not caused by the mains
  • Police said the 50-year-old’s death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing

An explosion at a property in Alloa, which left one person dead, was not caused by the gas mains, Scottish Gas Network has confirmed.

Emergency services were called to Kellie Place around 6pm on Sunday following reports of a blast and house fire.

Graham Green, 50, was inside the property at the time and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Scottish Gas Network engineers have since conducted a “thorough investigation” and established that their gas network did not cause the explosion.

Graham Green, 50, who died in Alloa explosion Police Scotland

A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the incident which took place on Sunday evening.

“After thorough investigation, we can confirm that the incident is not related to our gas network.

“Police Scotland and the HSE are continuing their investigations into the cause.”

A HSE spokesperson added: “We continue to assist Police Scotland to establish the cause of the explosion that resulted in the death of Graham Green. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”

The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and enquiries into the cause of the incident remain ongoing.

Chief Inspector Kat Thompson, area commander, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Graham and all those affected at this difficult time.

“Our enquiries, alongside partner agencies, to establish the full circumstances of what happened, remain ongoing.

“A police presence will remain in the area, and I would like to thank the local community for their understanding and support.”

Three others suffered minor injuries following the blastSTV News

Three 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 of minor injuries following the incident.

Neighbour Rosie Adamson was 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 causing members of the public to run towards the incident.

The blast ripped off part of the roof of the property and a gaping hole has been left in the first floor of the building.

Following the explosion, a multi-agency response involving police, firefighters, and ambulance crews raced to the scene, while engineers from the Scottish Gas Network also attended to ensure the area was made safe.

Investigations into the cause of the blast are continuing.

SGN has confirmed the explosion was not caused by the gas mainsGetty Images

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 6pm 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.

“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.”

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.”

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code