A house where a pensioner tragically died after a fire ripped through the property has been flattened due to safety risks.
Emergency demolition works were carried on Wednesday, February 1, as the home on Carman View in Dumbarton was pulled down.
An 82-year-old woman was pronounced dead in the house after the fire broke out around 3pm on Sunday, January 29.
Road closures were brought in on Bellsmyre Avenue and Lomond Drive without warning on Wednesday after West Dumbartonshire Council said they need to carry out essential work "immediately".
They said that the condition of the building was a risk to public safety. Further updates on the works will be released by the authority next week.
The council said: "Due to an emergency building demolition required as a result of a serious fire on Carman View, the road is currently closed between Bellsmyre Avenue and Lomond Drive. Local access only will be maintained from Bellsmyre Avenue.
"We apologise for the short notice and any inconvenience caused. Due to the condition of the building and the risk to public safety, it was essential to carry this work out immediately. Further updates will be issued next week."
Neighbours reported being evacuated with streets around the area being closed off too with large emergency services presence at the scene on Sunday.
An eye witness told the Record that the house on fire had no roof or windows left with the blaze taking hold within a matter of "minutes". They added: "My sister and her neighbours all had to be evacuated. There were multiple fire engines and police on the scene and they were there for hours. A few streets had been blocked off too."
A Police Scotland Spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a house fire in Carman View, Dumbarton, around 3.10pm on Sunday, January 29, 2023. Emergency services attended, however an 82-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The fire was extinguished by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Officers are carrying out a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
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