A gas explosion ripped apart a hotel in Aberdeenshire, Scotland last night seriously injuring three people, including two members of staff.
The roof of the kitchen at the Drumtochty Arms – which had only just reopened after a year-long refurbishment - was blown off in the explosion which also destroyed the walls of an adjacent two-storey building, just before 5:30pm.
About 30 firefighters were involved in last night's rescue operation. Around 20 tonnes of rubble, piled up to 5ft high, could be seen in the rear courtyard of the hotel in the aftermath.
Neighbours revealed that they thought a bomb had gone off, while emergency workers said the number of casualties would have been much higher had the blast happened when the courtyard was busy with drinkers.
Grampian Police last night said the explosion appeared to be connected to the hotel's liquid petroleum gas supply and added that there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.
The three who suffered injuries – woman and two men – are being treated in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and are said to be stable.
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By Daniel Thomas
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