Two people in critical condition after Newmains building blast

TWO people are in a critical condition following an explosion inside a building.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance and trauma team, were sent to the scene in Bonkle Road, Newmains, North Lanarkshire at around 1.30pm on Thursday.

The pair have been taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment to serious injuries.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson said the incident is thought to have taken place in a pastoral centre in the street where work has been taking place.

Police said nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the explosion with gas engineers and the Health and Safety Executive.

“I understand that there are no outstanding safety concerns at this time,” Ms Adamson said.

“My thoughts are with the two individuals injured to whom I wish a speedy recovery.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “Operations Control immediately mobilised two fire appliances to the scene after the alarm was raised at 1.29pm on Thursday.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service said the first unit arrived at the scene within three minutes of the alarm being raised.

“We dispatched two ambulances, our special operations response team, the trauma team, an officer and our Helimed air ambulance,” a spokesman said.

“Two patients, one male and one female, were taken to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary accompanied by trauma doctors.”

Air ambulance taking off from Newmains pic.twitter.com/91scmyrU7U

— martyn (@martynmfc) October 5, 2017

A local man said his house shook with the explosion.

John Wright wrote on Twitter: “Something just exploded or hit the ground in Newmains, my whole house just shook, anyone know?”

Gas company SGN said supplies to the building have been turned off and it is investigating the cause of the blast.

Local MP Neil Gray said he was shocked to hear about the incident.

“I have contacted Police Scotland and will keep in touch with them for updates as things develop,” he said.

“I am available should anyone need my help and my thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery go to those who have been injured in the blast.”