The smell of gas Was so strong
Family members in hospital after devastating blast
MEMBERS of a family were in a “serious condition” in hospital last night following an explosion which destroyed their home.
Marion Ferguson, 43, and a 16-yearold boy are currently being treated at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary.
Her husband William, 47, is at the city’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital while an 11-year-old boy is receiving care at the Royal Hospital for Children.
The blast, in Gorse Park in Ayr’s Kincaidston, caused devastation and sparked a major emergency response.
The explosion could be heard eight miles away and the blast was so powerful it blew debris more than 200 yards through the air.
Tiles and bricks were scattered in nearby streets.
Broken glass and chunks of wood and bricks were also left strewn across the road.
Chief Inspector Derrick Johnson, area commander for South Ayrshire, said the probe was at any early stage but added a gas explosion is a line of inquiry being followed.
He said: “This is a complex incident and a number of different agencies are working together to establish the full circumstances of what happened.
“Our thoughts are with the family and everyone within the local community affected by this.
“A joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been carried out.”
Local people reported a strong smell of gas at Gorse Park prior to the blast – with several saying they reported the smell to Scottish Gas Networks.
Gary Burgess, 45, said: “The smell of gas on Monday was so strong when I went for my morning paper. People were talking about it and you’re always thinking at the back of your mind there could be an explosion.
“When the blast happened I was sure a lorry had driven into the side of my house, which is 100 yards down the road from Gorse Park.
“I heard people say that several complaints had been made to the suppliers so I’d be very interested to hear what they have to say about that.”
He added: “All I can say right now is that I hope those involved in the blast get through it. But there needs to be an inquiry to get to the bottom of how it happened.” Scottish Gas
Networks denied local claims that they had been called out on the day of the blast.
Nine fire appliances attended the scene as terrified neighbours in nearby properties were evacuated.
Police and fire crews remained on the scene yesterday morning as a huge clean-up operation got under way, with residents working tirelessly to remove wreckage and debris from their streets, homes and cars.
Dramatic aerial pictures showed the devastating aftermath of the explosion.
A friend of the family affected, Michelle Buchanan, posted on Facebook calling for people to show compassion – particularly when posting on social media.
She wrote: “My friends are in hospital in a critical condition, please be kind when sharing photos and comments related to Kincaidston.
“The house was their home and families and friends are worried sick. Get facts straight before rumours are spread. Love and best wishes to all affected.”
At a candlelit vigil last night, the public were asked to come together and show solidarity for the victims.
Dozens of pictures of the candles were shared on Facebook.
Margarette Clark wrote: “Mine is lit. Praying that the family recover and are reunited. Heartbreaking for all involved last night but so heartwarming to see a large community pulling together to help.”
One local said: “It sounded like a bomb had gone off or there had been a plane crash. That’s the only way I can describe it. Things were flying through the air, it was surreal.”
The Fergusons’ home was completely destroyed, while the homes either side of their property were badly damaged.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service area commander Ian McMeekin said: “This is an extremely challenging and complex incident and at its height we had nine appliances in attendance.
“There is significant damage to the properties and surrounding area.
“There have been a number of properties affected – some where we have severe structural damage – and some other properties have been affected by the blast. We now have
two appliances in attendance and we are working with our partners to ensure the area maintains its safety.
“We’ll be working alongside Police Scotland and partners to establish the facts of the circumstances.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the community for their support and understanding during this time.”
Gas supplier SGN has said it’s too early to determine what caused the huge explosion and added that “engineers are continuing to work with the emergency services to ensure the immediate vicinity is made safe in our role as the gas emergency service”.
The community banded together to help those in need, opening up places of shelter including Queen Margaret Academy, the town’s Mercure Hotel, Kincaidston Community Pavilion and Ayr St Columba Church.
Kind-hearted residents dropped off blankets, food and bottled water while the community pavilion fed fire crews who worked tirelessly throughout. It is not known how long residents who have been evacuated will remain out of their homes.
A statement from South Ayrshire Council said: “At the moment, the council is working with emergency services to determine who will be able to return to their house and who will not due to ongoing building safety concerns.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who grew up in Ayrshire, said: “It’s clear those who were first on the scene acted with incredible bravery.
“Confronted with a scene of utter devastation, their first thoughts were to help those trapped inside until the emergency services arrived.
“In the 24 hours since, the public has rallied round with all kinds of offers of support to those affected.”
A FUNDRAISER has been families set up for affected by the The Ayr JustGiving explosion. by an page unnamed was The local lau person business “Practical behind and the page be emotional paramount supp at this everyone point The affected.” crowdfunder almost half of its reache target within 24 £5000 being hours of created.