AN 84-year-old man has died after an explosion at a house in Edinburgh.
Police were called to the Baberton area of the city at 10.25pm on Friday after “multiple reports” about the blast.
A 43-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man were taken to hospital but their condition is unknown.
Police said there are no suspicious circumstances.
The deceased has been named locally as James Smith. It is understood his next of kin have been notified of his death.
A number of homes were evacuated as a precaution and the road, Baberton Mains Avenue, remained closed on Saturday morning.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said five appliances had attended and two people had been rescued from the ruins of the home before their arrival.
The service left the scene at 6.39am on Saturday after handing control to Police Scotland.
Some locals reported hearing the explosion as far away as Gilmerton, a suburb miles from the blast site.
Neighbours said they felt their homes shaking, while another person posted that they had heard the blast from inside a cinema in nearby Wester Hailes.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.26pm on Friday 1 December to reports of a gas explosion affecting residential properties on Baberton Mains Avenue in Edinburgh.
“Operations control mobilised five fire appliances and specialist resources to the area where firefighters worked to make the area safe.
“Two casualties were rescued prior to our arrival, and the crews remain on scene.”
Cammy Day, leader of Edinburgh City Council, said: “This is incredibly sad news for the city and all of our thoughts are with those affected.
“We’re very grateful to the emergency services who responded so quickly and tirelessly last night, evacuating the scene and making the surrounding area safe.
“I know that council officers assisted into the early hours of this morning and continue to stand ready to support all agencies and the local community.”
