MP Pete Wishart has called for a 'full investigation' into the fatal explosion at a Perth recycling centre earlier today.
The MP for Perthshire and North Perthshire said this is the third blaze at Shore recycling centre to occur in the last two years and a thorough enquiry is necessary to establish 'what went wrong'.
Emergency services raced to Friarton Road site following the huge blast at around 12.45am this morning.
Police Scotland later confirmed that a 46-year-old man had sadly died at the scene and that another man, aged 41, was taken to Ninewells Hospital with serious injuries.
The M90 Friarton Bridge, which crosses the River Tay to the south-east of the Fair City, was shut off following the explosion and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Six fire engines remain at the scene and have been tackling the blaze, involving approximately 200 tonnes of scrap material, since the early hours.
Wishart said he has already been in contact with the owners of the recycling centre and insists an investigation should be carried out to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.
Posting to Facebook, the SNP politician wrote: "We have sadly learned that a man has died following the fire and explosion at the Shore Road facility in Perth and I want to offer my sincere condolences to family and friends.
"I have spoken to the owners of the site and have called for a full investigation into what has happened.
"This is the 3rd fire in 2 years and we need to know what went wrong. Perth has also been practically gridlocked all day following the closure of the Friarton Bridge. We cannot let this happen again."
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.39am on Tuesday, 28 February to reports of a large fire within an industrial recycling centre at Friarton Bridge Park, Perth.
“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances plus other specialist resources to the scene, where crews continue to tackle a fire involving approximately 200 tonnes of scrap material.
“Road closures remain in place and we would advise local residents to close windows in their homes due to levels of smoke.”
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