Residents were evacuated by fire crews after an early-morning explosion ripped through a flat in the Scottish Borders. Emergency services were called to the scene in Wilderhaugh Court, Galashiels, at around 3am on Friday, December 2.
A picture from the scene showed the powerful blast knocked a window clean out of its frame at the top floor property. Despite the extensive damage, there have been no reported injuries.
A large cordon was put in place and a fire accident investigation into the circumstances of the explosion remains ongoing. It is understood that the blast may have been caused by a candle and a small gas canister, however this has yet to be confirmed.
Affected residents sought shelter at a nearby cafe, Bulldog Bakes, while fire responders attempted to make the area safe.
Sharing an update on social media, the business wrote: “We’re open(ish) early today. We were evacuated from our flat last night due to a suspected gas explosion. Fortunately everyone is ok including the people who live in the flat.
“We may not be open as late as planned tonight as we’ve been open since 4am in order to give our neighbours somewhere warm with decent coffee to wait for news.”
It is understood that a number of residents affected have now been able to return home.
A statement from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted by emergency service partners at 3.07am on Friday, 2 December to reports of an explosion at a property at Wilderhaugh Court, Galashiels.
“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances and firefighters worked to extinguish the fire. Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3am on Friday, 2 December, police were called to a report of an explosion at a flat in Wilderhaugh Court, Galashiels.
“A cordon was put in place and a number of flats were evacuated, however, all residents have returned to their homes. There have been no reports of any injuries.
“No criminality was established and advice and assistance has been given. Emergency services are no longer at the scene.”
Scottish Gas Networks have confirmed that engineers attended but were satisfied that the explosion was not related to the supply network.
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