A MAN has died after an explosion ripped through a block of flats.
The home on Kellie Place in Alloa was destroyed by the blast, which saw a major emergency response.
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Police locked down the surrounding roads as fire crews deployed specialist rescue crews to the scene.
A man was inside the flat when the explosion took place and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three other people who were in the building during the blast were raced to Forth Valley Royal Hospital with minor injuries.
Nearby Alloa Town Hall has been opened up as a respite centre for people who lived in the other flats inside the building.
Gas and electrical crews are carrying out work at the scene as some road closures are lifted and the incident was stood down.
A probe is currently underway to find out what caused the explosion and the identity of the man who tragically died.
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 cooperation and support of our investigation, and we’ll provide more information in due course.”
We told how fire service commanders dispatched urban search and rescue teams alongside a heavy rescue unit to the scene.
Local residents were left terrified after the explosion rocked the residential street.
Several streets around the damaged house were sealed off with officers standing guard.
Fire crews could be seen working on the ground near the blast site and were inspecting the building using a turntable ladder.
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Shocked locals watched on and were asking cops for information.
Brian Alexander, 45, a care worker who lives on the street said: “I was at home watching the television and then there was an almighty bang.
“I knew right away it was something serious and not fireworks.
“When I went to have a look the house down the street was missing the roof and part of the front was hanging off.
“It is quite scary.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Operations Control mobilised a number of resources at 6.00pm on Sunday, 6 October, after we received multiple reports of an explosion and a fire within a house on Kellie Place, Alloa.
“Specialist resources including Urban Search and Rescue units and a heavy rescue unit attended.”
