Man, 84, dies following 'house explosion' as two people rushed to hospital and properties 'evacuated'

The force received multiple reports about the incident last night.

Emergency services were sent to the scene where two other people were taken to hospital.

WATCH NOW: An explosion engulfs a house in Edinburgh

Properties in the area were evacuated and the road was closed as part of Police Scotland's precautionary efforts.

Police Scotland said: "An 84-year-old man has died following an explosion at a house in Baberton Mains Avenue in Edinburgh.

"Officers received multiple reports following the incident around 10.25pm on Friday, December 1, 2023.

"Emergency services attended and a 43-year-old woman and 54-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment.

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"Several properties were evacuated as a precaution and the road remains closed.

"There are no suspicious circumstances and we are continuing to work alongside our partner agencies."

A Scottish fire and rescue service spokesperson added: “We were alerted at 10.26pm on Friday, December 1, to reports of a gas explosion affecting residential properties on Baberton Mains Avenue in Edinburgh.

“Operations control mobilised five fire appliances and specialist resources to the area where firefighters worked to make the area safe.

"Two casualties were rescued prior to our arrival, and the crews remain on scene.”

Emergency services left the scene at 6.39am this morning.

One eyewitness said the area outside the house at Baberton Mains Avenue was strewn with rubble and there was a smell of gas.

Images from the scene show a building has been completely destroyed.