Shocking pictures show the devastating aftermath of a suspected gas explosion which destroyed a family home in a Larbert street.
The semi-detached property on Broomage Crescent was gutted by the powerful blast on Saturday afternoon.
The windows of the two-storey house blew out from the force of the explosion and roof and walls caved in as the inferno ripped through the home.
Pictures show the attached neighbouring property also suffered extensive damage to the roof and windows.
It is understood that more than one home may need to be demolished to make the area safe as a number of residents remain displaced from the incident on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services remain at the scene on Sunday after first being alerted to the explosion at around 1.40pm yesterday.
At least ten properties were evacuated however most residents have been able to return home.
Neighbour John Lees, 62, told the Record: “I was walking back from the shops, and a fire engine passed me.
“I thought it was just a false alarm, but as soon as I turned into the street, it was clear there was no false alarm.
“I never seen anything like this in my life, it was terrifying.
“People were running out their houses and running about the street not knowing what to do or where to go.
“The police arrived and they were chapping all the doors and shouting to everyone to get out their houses and leave the street.
“There was flames and smoke everywhere. It was mental.
“We were evacuated until about half 8 last night. But because we live across the road we were allowed back in.
“I was scared to put the boiler on, I was a bit hesitant.
“The fire Bridge were here all night hosing the house down. We’ve not been told anything else today.”
Two residents were placed in emergency accommodation by Falkirk Council last night, and other affected households opted to stay with family and friends.
A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “We rehoused two individuals last night who needed accommodation while everyone else affected found alternatives with friends and families.
"We’re working with SGN currently to ensure those returning to their homes have temporary welfare facilities etc and that we hope SGN will be able to re-establish gas connections as soon as it is safe to do so.
"We are currently waiting for confirmation from Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland on when it is safe for individuals to return to their properties."
Engineers from SGN gas distribution company and Scottish Power have also been spotted outside the affected properties as investigations into the cause of the blast remain ongoing.
A father-of-two, named locally as Darren Graham, was rushed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment after being pulled from the wrecked house.
Police have confirmed that the 33-year-old remains under the care of medics, who describe his condition as stable.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service added that there were no further casualties after specialist search and rescue teams scoured the houses.
At the height of the fire, six appliances were in attendance alongside specialist SFRS resources.
A spokesperson for SGN gas distribution company for Scotland added: "Following reports of an incident in Broomage Crescent, Larbert, earlier today, our engineers joined the emergency services on site at 2.28pm.
"We're continuing to work closely with the authorities."
In a fresh statement issued on Sunday, Police Scotland said: "Around 1.40pm on Saturday, 26 February, Police Scotland officers were called to reports of an explosion at a house on Broomage Crescent, Larbert.
"A 33-year-old man was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where medical staff describe his condition as stable.
"Ten properties were evacuated but the majority of residents have now been able to return to their homes.
"Officers remain at the scene and enquiries are ongoing."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
