A SCOTTISH man is in hospital after a gas explosion destroyed his bed and breakfast in Rome, Italy.
Grant Paterson, 54, from East Kilbride, has allegedly suffered severe burns following the blast in the Monteverde district of the Italian capital, reports The Scottish Sun.
It has been widely reported that mercy crews rushed to the scene of the explosion at around 8.30am on Saturday.
It is currently unknown was caused the explosion, but a leak from a gas cylinder is believed to have caused it.
Paterson was reportedly unconscious when pulled from the rubble by emergency services.
According to reports by local news site Roma Today, he is currently being treated by medics for third-degree burns across 75% of his body in Sant Eugenio Hospital's burns unit.
Grant is thought to have arrived in Rome for a holiday in the city last Monday, March 17 and he was due to return home today.
Roberto Gualtieri, the mayor of Rome, visited the scene yesterday and said he ordered a full investigation to take place.
He added: "The explosion seemed to have been caused by a gas leak, possibly from a gas cylinder, but investigations will clarify the causes.
"The injured person was a guest at a lodging facility that is currently under investigation, which appears to be a regularly registered bed and breakfast.
"The ongoing inquiry aims to assess the safety and legality of the establishment.
"The injured man has injuries consistent with an explosion due to a gas leak.
"We are taking every possible precaution in regards to neighbouring buildings that could be at risk.
"The important thing is that fortunately there are no fatalities, even if unfortunately one person is seriously injured."
No one else was injured in the suspected blast, but a nearby villa was also damaged.
A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office told the Daily Record: "We are providing support to the family of a British national who is currently in hospital in Rome."
