Man and woman critical after building blast

Two people are in a critical condition following an explosion inside a building.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance and trauma team, were sent to the scene in Bonkle Road, Newmains, North Lanarkshire at about 1:30pm yesterday. A man and a woman have been taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment to serious injuries.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson said the incident is thought to have taken place in a pastoral centre in the street where work has been taking place.

Police said nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the explosion with gas engineers and the Health and Safety Executive.

“I understand that there are no outstanding safety concerns at this time,” Ms Adamson said. “My thoughts are with the two individuals injured to whom I wish a speedy recovery.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “Operations Control immediately mobilised two fire appliances to the scene after the alarm was raised at 1.29pm on Thursday.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service said the first unit arrived at the scene within three minutes of the alarm being raised.