SuppliedOne year on from an explosion that killed one man and sent two people to hospital, families in Edinburgh are preparing to spend their second Christmas in temporary accommodation.
Emergency services were called to Baberton Mains Avenue at around 10.25 pm on December 1, 2023.
Two people, a 43-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man, were rescued from the ruins of the home, while James Smith, an 84-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
STV NewsNeighbours previously told STV News it sounded as though a bomb had gone off and said the explosion was so loud it could be heard from miles away.
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed shortly after the incident that the blast was caused by “internal gas installations” at the property — and not the entire network.
One year on from the deadly explosion, debris is still strewn across gardens, and residents are preparing to spend their second Christmas in temporary accommodation.
Mary and Samuel Porteous, who lived in their home for 47 years before the blast, said the experience has been “frustrating”.
STV News“I was in the building trade, and once the demolition is done in February, they’re talking about another 18 months to build,” Mr Porteous said.
The couple said although where they are staying is nice, spending another Christmas away from home “feels terrible”.
STV NewsWhile homeowners at the top end of the street have been told about the demolition plans, those at the bottom have less clarity.
Lawrence Orman said he and his family have been told nothing.
“The top six houses were taken to a meeting and told what was happening – We’ve been told nothing; what we know is what we’ve read online,” he said.
STV NewsHe added that the experience of getting updates has been “horrendous”, saying: “If it wasn’t for me pestering them, I don’t think anybody would tell us anything.”
Mr Orman said that although his temporary accommodation is lovely, it’s not his home.
“This has been my home for 40 years, it is where I raised my kids,” he said.
Mr Orman and his family will also be spending their second Christmas out of their home, which he describes as “terrible” and “lonely”.
Sue Webber, Lothian MSP, said it was emotional to return to the scene of the explosion when “nothing has changed”.
STV News“It’s really disappointing to be here 12 months on and for absolutely nothing substantially to have changed here,” she said.
Following the demolition update, the MSP said things “have to move much more quickly now”.
Planning convener, councillor James Dalgleish, said they appreciate how difficult the situation is for everyone involved and want to see it resolved “as quickly as possible”.
“It’s encouraging to hear that recent talks between residents and their insurance providers have been productive and we’ll continue to work with all parties involved going forward,” he said.
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