Man who died after house explosion in Edinburgh named

An 84-year-old man who tragically died following a house explosion has been named as James Smith.

It comes after police officers were called to "multiple reports" at 10.25pm of a blast in the Barberton area. After the explosion, a 43-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man were taken to hospital, however, their condition is currently unknown.

Mr Smith was in one of the neighbouring properties and his next of kin are understood to have been informed of his death. Police, who said there are no suspicious circumstances around the incident, evacuated several homes from Barberton Mains Avenue with reports that it was still closed off on Saturday morning.

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A spokeswoman for gas distributor SGN said it was brought in to help emergency services and “ensure the immediate vicinity” was “made safe”. She said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family of the man who has tragically died as well as those who have been injured.

“While it is too early to speculate as to what has happened, we are working closely with the authorities to help discover the cause.” Some locals in the area reported hearing the explosion as far away a Gilmerton, which is located several miles away.

Cammy Day, leader of Edinburgh City Council, said: “This is incredibly sad news for the city and all of our thoughts are with those affected. We’re very grateful to the emergency services who responded so quickly and tirelessly last night, evacuating the scene and making the surrounding area safe.

“I know that council officers assisted into the early hours of this morning and continue