House explosion: Elderley couple walk out of blast house

Published on Thursday 29 May 2008 10:49

AN elderly man and woman walked away virtually unscathed today after their home was wrecked in a suspected gas explosion.

The front and back walls of the property were blown out in the blast in Uphall, West Lothian at around 7.40am.

The man aged 86 and the 85-year-old woman managed to get out of the semi-detached single storey bungalow and went to a neighbour's house to wait for the emergency services.

Around 20 to 30 neighbours were evacuated following the blast in Loaninghill Park.

Lothian and Borders Police said early indications suggested it may have been a gas explosion, and Transco were at the scene.

The two elderly residents were taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston but it is thought they only suffered minor injuries.

Pamela Johnston, 46, a carer who works in the street, said: "We heard a boom this morning and felt the house shake.

"I thought it was probably a gas explosion.

"We saw everybody out in the street in their pyjamas and within minutes police and ambulance and gas services were here.

"All the emergency services are still here."

Three fire appliances, three special appliances, a fire investigation unit and police were at the scene.

John McGregor, 71, said: "I heard a bang this morning.

"It sounded like a door slamming and I didn't give it much of a thought, then I went out and saw the devastation.

"The house is badly damaged with the front and back blown out.

"The couple have stayed there for quite a while and are a devoted old couple."

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard a terrible bang just like a right explosion at about a quarter to eight.

"Our house did shake a bit and our houses are quite sturdy because they are built of brick.

"I had a look and the windows are blown out and there has been quite a bit of damage done.

"There must be quite a bit of damage on the inside when you see the outside.

"The couple are both elderly and they must have had a terrible fright.

"The police have cordoned off the road and people are not getting in or out."