Residents evacuated as loud explosion damages house in Ayr
An explosion at a house in Ayr has caused severe damage, with the blast being heard for miles around.
Emergency services responded to calls to the residential Kincaidston area on Monday evening.
Pictures shared on social media showed at least one house had been badly damaged, with debris lying in the street.
Live in the adjacent estate. Was out hoovering the car and heard the explosion. Sounded round the corner. Was chaotic. There was personal property and rubble all over the scene. The video below doesn’t even do the smoke justice. Could scarcely make out peoples’ faces. pic.twitter.com/uoToga02Fk
— Euan Bryson (@euwotmate) October 18, 2021
Social media users said they heard the explosion from miles away.
It’s understood a number of residents have been evacuated from houses near the site of the explosion, with some being given shelter at the nearby Queen Margaret Academy.
The Kincaidston Community Centre said it was open for those who needed help.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We were alerted at 7.11pm on Monday, October 18 to reports of a dwelling fire in Gorse Park, Ayr.
“Operations control mobilised nine appliances and specialist resources to the scene and firefighters are working to extinguish the fire.
We are currently in attendance following a report of an explosion at a property on Gorse Park in Ayr shortly after 7.10pm on Monday, 18 October.
Emergency services are currently at the scene and we would advise people to avoid the area at the present time. pic.twitter.com/IuV4p9z3JY
— Ayrshire Police (@AyrshirePolice) October 18, 2021
“Crews currently remain in attendance and are assisting emergency service partners.”
Police have advised people to avoid the area.
The Ayrshire Police Twitter account said: “We are currently in attendance following a report of an explosion at a property on Gorse Park in Ayr shortly after 7.10pm on Monday, 18 October.
“Emergency services are currently at the scene and we would advise people to avoid the area at the present time.”