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OAPs injured in house explosion | |
(41 minutes later) | |
Two pensioners have made an "amazing escape" with only minor injuries after an explosion in their West Lothian home. | |
The front and rear walls of the semi-detached house in Loaninghill Park, Uphall, blew out and the roof was damaged shortly before 0745 BST. | |
Fire crews and gas emergency services are carrying out an investigation. | |
The 85-year-old woman and 86-year-old man were taken to a neighbour's house before going to St John's Hospital. | The 85-year-old woman and 86-year-old man were taken to a neighbour's house before going to St John's Hospital. |
Between 20 and 40 elderly residents living nearby have been evacuated to Uphall Community Centre in Strathbrock Place. | |
For two elderly people to walk away from that... is incredible - it's an amazing escape Gordon FisherLothian and Borders Police Fire and Rescue Service | |
The road has been closed and an investigation is under way. | |
Gordon Fisher, of Lothian and Borders Police Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The front of the house is right across the front garden. | Gordon Fisher, of Lothian and Borders Police Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The front of the house is right across the front garden. |
"It is an incredible escape when you see the scene of devastation up there. | "It is an incredible escape when you see the scene of devastation up there. |
"For two elderly people to walk away from that... is incredible - it's an amazing escape." | |
He said an early investigation pointed to a gas explosion and it appeared the house would have to be demolished. | He said an early investigation pointed to a gas explosion and it appeared the house would have to be demolished. |
"We don't have a time for when the evacuated residents will be allowed back into their homes," he added. | "We don't have a time for when the evacuated residents will be allowed back into their homes," he added. |
A West Lothian Council spokesman said: "Council building control staff are on site at Loaninghill Park to assess the situation. | |
"It is anticipated that the property will have to be demolished because it has been so badly damaged by the explosion." | |
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said its inspectors were at the scene. | |
They are carrying out an investigation into the circumstances of the incident together with Lothian and Borders Police and the gas suppliers. |