Man dies after explosion at Perth recycling centre

The blaze happened around 00.45am at the site on Friarton Road

Author: Paul ReillyPublished 28th Feb 2023
Last updated 28th Feb 2023

A man has died following an explosion and fire at a recycling centre in Perth.

The incident happened in the early hours of this morning at the Shore recycling centre on Friarton Road in the town.

Emergency services attended and the body of a 46-year-old man was found.

Formal identification has yet to take place but his next of kin are aware.

One man, aged 41, was taken to Ninewells Hospital with serious injuries where his condition is described as stable.

The M90 was closed at Friarton bridge area for much of the day, but has now reopened.

Area Commander Jason Sharp is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Local Senior Officer for Perth, Kinross, Dundee and Angus.

He said: “We were alerted at 12.39am on Tuesday, 28 February to reports of a large fire within an industrial recycling centre at Friarton Bridge Park, Perth.

“Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances plus other specialist resources to the scene, where crews tackled a fire involving approximately 200 tonnes of scrap material.

“Sadly, one man was pronounced dead at the scene and our thoughts are with his family and the wider community at this time.

“One casualty was also passed into the care of Scottish Ambulance Service and transported to Ninewells Hospital.

“A joint investigation with Police Scotland is now ongoing.”

Chief Inspector Tom Leonard, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has died at what is a very difficult time for them.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and officers are conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“I would like to thank members of the public, particularly road users, for their patience while our colleagues in the Scottish Fire and Rescue service work to put out the fire.

“Officers are continuing to liaise with other emergency services and partners while enquiries are carried out.”

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