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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
A family have paid tribute to a man who was killed after a flat block exploded in Clackmannanshire.
Emergency services were called to Kellie Place at around 6pm on Sunday following reports of a blast on Kellie Place.
Graham Green, 50, was within the property at the time and pronounced dead at the scene.
The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing, police said.
His family have since taken to social media to thank everyone “for their overwhelming support”.
Betty Green wrote: “On behalf of me and my family it is with great sadness we announce the passing of Graham Green (Greenie).
“We want to thank all of the emergency services involved during this tragic event.
“The family and I would also like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support and condolences at this difficult time.
“Slàinte Mhath Graham.”
STV NewsLouise Johnston added: “Thank you to all emergency services and support from everyone during this tragic time.”
The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries into the cause of the incident remain ongoing.
Scottish Gas Network has confirmed that the incident was not caused by the mains.
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.
STV News“A police presence will remain in the area and I would like to thank the local community for their understanding and support.”
Three other people, 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 to 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 which causes members of the public to run towards the incident.
Part of the roof of the property was ripped off by the blast and a gaping hole has been left in the first floor of the building.
A multi-agency response involving police, firefighters and ambulance crews raced to the scene following the explosion, while engineers from the Scottish Gas Network also attended to ensure the area was made safe.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 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.
STV News“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.”
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