In a tragic incident, a man has lost his life, and an eight-year-old girl has sustained injuries during a significant fire in a flat located in Perth, Scotland. The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning at approximately 01:50 AM in a four-storey residential building situated at the intersection of Scott Street and South Street. Emergency services acted promptly when police officers on routine patrol initially spotted the blaze raging from the top floor of the structure.
As the fire escalated, about 40 residents from adjacent properties were evacuated as a precaution. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dispatched 12 fire crews, who worked tirelessly throughout the night to combat the flames and address structural collapses that resulted from the intense heat. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the situation proved fatal, with a man being pronounced dead at the scene of the fire.
The eight-year-old girl, along with a 27-year-old man, was transported to a hospital for medical attention following the incident. Additionally, two firefighters sustained injuries—one due to falling masonry—during their courageous duties to control the fire and aid in evacuating residents.
Following the fire, a single fire engine remained on the scene the next day to ensure the area was secure and to mitigate any further risks that could arise from the unstable structure. The extent of the damage was significant; both the roof and the upper floor of the building had been entirely destroyed. The ground floor of the building housed a popular venue known as the Royal Bar.
In light of the incident, the evacuated residents were temporarily relocated to the nearby Salutation Hotel, which served as a makeshift respite center, providing them with necessary shelter and support. First Minister John Swinney, who represents Perthshire North, expressed his sincere condolences upon learning of the man’s death. He stated his concerns for the others receiving treatment in the hospital and expressed gratitude towards the emergency services for their prompt response.
Describing the situation as a “major incident,” Swinney highlighted the community’s support for those affected. As investigations began, both the police and the fire service initiated a joint inquiry to determine the cause of the fire. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell emphasized that their inquiries were still in the early stages. To facilitate the investigation, a temporary airspace restriction was instated in the area, restricting drone activity until the following Wednesday. She reminded the public about the importance of following drone laws, clarifying that flying in restricted airspace is a criminal offense.
Police cordons remained in place as authorities urged the public to steer clear of the area while investigations took place. Notably, Scott Street and South Street continued to be closed to traffic as the scene was assessed and secured. Throughout this ordeal, emergency service crews continued to monitor the situation closely, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the community’s safety.
In summary, this devastating fire in Perth has not only claimed a life but also left a community reeling in the wake of tragedy. As medical assistance has been administered to the injured, the focus remains on providing support to all who have been affected as well as thorough investigations to ascertain the cause and prevent future tragedies.