House explosion in Ayr puts four people in hospital

Two adults and two children were taken to hospital after an explosion at a house in Ayr that caused severe damage, with the blast being heard for miles around. Residents were evacuated from part of the Kincaidston area.

Police, firefighters and the ambulance service – including an air ambulance – were at the scene in Gorse Park, a residential street in the town in western Scotland, after reports of an explosion just after 7pm on Monday.

“Two adults and two children have been taken to Crosshouse hospital in Kilmarnock,” the police force said.

Six ambulances, an air ambulance and three “specialist operations vehicles” were sent to the scene. Gas distribution company SGN said it was helping emergency services to make the area safe.

People living several miles away heard the explosion. Neighbours were reportedly evacuated to Queen Margaret Academy nearby and a cordon was set up.

In a statement, the police said four houses had been affected by the explosion, with “a number of premises evacuated” and two rest centres set up to assist. A nearby community centre and church were offering shelter, with the public advised to avoid the area.

Alice Shaw, who lives nearby, told the Daily Record the explosion was “terrifying”.

She said: “It sounded like a bomb went off. Our entire house shook and everything from the television to the pictures came off the wall. The scene is like something from ground zero. It is terrifying.”

A Scottish fire and rescue service spokesperson said: “Operations control mobilised nine appliances and specialist resources to the scene and firefighters are working to extinguish the fire. Crews currently remain in attendance and are assisting emergency service partners.”

Police Scotland said: “We received a report of an explosion at a property in Gorse Park in Ayr shortly after 7.10pm on Monday 18 October. Emergency services are currently at the scene.”