A neighbour who witnessed the Alloa flat explosion said she ‘thought WW3 had started’.
Emergency crews scrambled to Kellie Place amid reports of the explosion at around 6pm on Sunday, October 6.
One man, who was inside the property when the explosion happened, was killed in the blast and was pronounced dead at the scene but has not been formally identified.
Three other people from the same block of flats were rushed to Forth Valley Royal Infirmary for treatment to minor injuries. Rosie Adamson, who lives on Kellie Place, said she was terrified after hearing the horror sounds and ran to her window to see what was going.
“I just heard this big boom – my doors shook,” said Rosie. “I thought World War III had started. There was this big boom, and then I ran to the window and saw the flames and the smoke.
“I heard the explosion, and then I immediately heard the emergency service sirens. By the time I’d run in there, the police and fire service and ambulances were all outside. They were so quick – I couldn’t fault how quick they were.
“My first thought was ‘please don’t let there be anybody in there. That’s all I could think about’.”
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.
Rosie, who says she is thinking of the family of the man who was killed, has asked police to leave flowers at the scene.
“Unfortunately, someone did die, and it’s just horrible,” she said. “I gave the police some flowers to put outside the house, just to mark a bit of respect. Nobody’s allowed up there, so they’re going to do it for me. My thoughts are with the family.”
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 inquiries 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.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman confirmed crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion and house fire on Kellie Place and “immediately mobilised a number of resources to the scene”.
A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council said: “Our officers were at Kellie Place, Alloa, last night working with our partners in the emergency services to ensure the area was made safe following reports of an explosion and fire.
“A rest centre for those affected was set up at Alloa Town Hall while gas and electrical work was undertaken onsite, however those affected all managed to find shelter with friends and family overnight.
“Council staff will continue to offer support to those affected if they are unable to return to their homes and continue to be on site today supporting the emergency services.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, especially the family of the resident who tragically lost their life.”
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