A man who died following an explosion at a recycling centre in Perth has been hailed as a "true gentlemen" by his heartbroken former colleagues and friends.
Slawomir Szmeichel, better known as Sławek, passed away after the huge explosion took place at the Shore recycling centre on Friarton Road at 12.45am on Tuesday, February 28. Medics attended but the 45-year-old's body was discovered at the scene.
Sławek's devastated family and friends have been left heartbroken by the news and tributes have flooded in. The dad has been described as a "lovely man" with a "beautiful wife and son" by those who knew and loved him.
Kev Omc, who is Sławek's former manager, said: “He was a great guy. I had the pleasure of being his boss for over 15 years. So sad to hear about this. Thoughts with your family big man. RIP.”
Sheldon Hird said: "Such a shame, he was an all round lovely guy. Hopefully all at Shore recycling moves forward stronger and condolences to his other friends and family."
Meanwhile Shona Mearns, whose daughter was Sławek's neighbour, said: "So sorry to hear this. What a lovely man, with a beautiful wife and son. I knew them for a long time. They lived in Coupar Angus upstairs from my daughter. My heart is breaking reading this. They are a lovely, kind family. Thoughts are with all his family. True gentleman - so sad.”
Jacqueline Mckay said: "Such a lovely man, my son went to school with Sławek's son sending love to all his family at this sad time."
Anne Steedman said: "So sad, he was a lovely man. Thoughts with his family and work colleagues."
Scummelt Egg simply added: “RIP big man.”
Sławek's devastated family paid tribute to their 'loved husband, dad, brother and son' in a statement released through Police Scotland on Monday.
It read: "We're heartbroken with the sudden loss of our loved husband, dad, brother, son, and friend, without whom our lives will never be the same. Sławek will remain in our thoughts and our hearts forever.”
Inquiries into the fatal explosion remain ongoing. Another man, aged 41, was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where he has since been discharged.
Detective Inspector James Callander, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Sławek’s family and friends at what is a very difficult time for them. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and these enquiries are being carried out in partnership with relevant agencies.”
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