A SCOTTISH tourist has passed away in Rome after an explosion caused third-degree burns to 75% of his body.
Grant Paterson was on holiday when a blast destroyed the B&B he was staying at in the Italian capital.
The 54-year-old, from East Kilbride who worked for CalMac, was pulled from the rubble by firefighters at around 8.45am on Sunday.
On Wednesday, doctors attempted a skin graft surgery to replace Paterson’s damaged skin with that from a donor.
The explosion took place in the Monteverde district of Rome near Villa Doria Pamphili – a seventeenth-century villa surrounded by a public park.
Diane Burke, CalMac's Chief operating officer, said: "Everyone at CalMac is distraught that Grant has passed away. He was a true gentleman and a credit to MV Clansman, the vessel he served aboard.
"During a distinguished 12-year career with us, he embodied the very best of CalMac and, with his larger-than-life character, he was much-loved by colleagues and passengers alike.
"Our thoughts are with Grant's friends and family at this extremely difficult time."
The Mayor of Rome has been ordered an investigation into the collapse.
Roberto Gualtieri said after the incident that the burns suggested an "explosion caused by gas, which also causes flames."
He added: "It was a very loud explosion, a building collapsed and the wall of Villa Pamphili was also damaged."
A fundraiser organised by a friend of Paterson and aimed at raising funds for him and his daughter has raised more than £11,000.
