One dead and three hurt after explosion at block of flats in Alloa, Scotland

An explosion that ripped through a block of flats in Scotland has left one man dead and several injured. 

Fire and emergency service crews were called to a block of flats in the town of Alloa in Clackmannanshire around 6pm after reports of an explosion.

One man, who was inside the Kellie Place property at the time, was killed in the blast.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, and has not been formally identified.

Three other people from the same block of flats were taken to Forth Valley Royal Infirmary for treatment to minor injuries.

The explosion prompted Police Scotland to declare a major incident and close a number of roads to allow for the multi-agency response.

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.”

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In an update just before 11pm on Sunday, police said road closures were being lifted, but further gas and electrical work on the building may need to happen.

Alloa Town Hall was opened as a respite centre for occupants of the flats while maintenance work was ongoing.