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OAPs injured in house explosion OAPs injured in house explosion
(39 minutes later)
Two pensioners have made an "amazing escape" with only minor injuries after an explosion in their West Lothian home.Two pensioners have made an "amazing escape" with only minor injuries after an explosion in their West Lothian home.
The front and rear walls of the semi-detached house in Loaninghill Park, Uphall, blew out and the roof was damaged shortly before 0745 BST.The front and rear walls of the semi-detached house in Loaninghill Park, Uphall, blew out and the roof was damaged shortly before 0745 BST.
Fire crews and gas emergency services are carrying out an investigation.Fire crews and gas emergency services are carrying out an investigation.
Emma Hastie, 85, who is also known as Molly, and Frank Hastie, 86, were taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston.Emma Hastie, 85, who is also known as Molly, and Frank Hastie, 86, were taken to St John's Hospital in Livingston.
Between 20 and 40 elderly residents living nearby have been evacuated to Uphall Community Centre in Strathbrock Place.Between 20 and 40 elderly residents living nearby have been evacuated to Uphall Community Centre in Strathbrock Place.
The road has been closed and an investigation is under way.The road has been closed and an investigation is under way.
For two elderly people to walk away from that... is incredible - it's an amazing escape Gordon FisherLothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service Advertisement
Witness account of the blast
Tom Perry, who helped rescue the pair, said: "I got Molly and got someone to look after her. She was bleeding and she looked like she was badly shaken.Tom Perry, who helped rescue the pair, said: "I got Molly and got someone to look after her. She was bleeding and she looked like she was badly shaken.
"Her husband Frank was still in bed. When I went to get him there was insulation on fire, so I stamped that out first of all before diving into where the kitchen was. The wall had been blown out and I could see Frank."Her husband Frank was still in bed. When I went to get him there was insulation on fire, so I stamped that out first of all before diving into where the kitchen was. The wall had been blown out and I could see Frank.
"I managed to grab him, he was struggling but he managed to get out."I managed to grab him, he was struggling but he managed to get out.
"He was badly shaken and really, really concerned.""He was badly shaken and really, really concerned."
John McGregor, 71, who lives near the house, described hearing a bang.John McGregor, 71, who lives near the house, described hearing a bang.
He said: "It sounded like a door slamming and I didn't give it much of a thought, then I went out and saw the devastation.He said: "It sounded like a door slamming and I didn't give it much of a thought, then I went out and saw the devastation.
"The house is badly damaged with the front and back blown out.""The house is badly damaged with the front and back blown out."
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard a terrible bang just like a right explosion.Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard a terrible bang just like a right explosion.
"Our house did shake a bit - and our houses are quite sturdy because they are built of brick.""Our house did shake a bit - and our houses are quite sturdy because they are built of brick."
It is likely the semi-detached house in Uphall will be demolishedIt is likely the semi-detached house in Uphall will be demolished
Gordon Fisher, of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The front of the house is right across the front garden.Gordon Fisher, of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The front of the house is right across the front garden.
"It is an incredible escape when you see the scene of devastation up there."It is an incredible escape when you see the scene of devastation up there.
"For two elderly people to walk away from that is incredible - it's an amazing escape.""For two elderly people to walk away from that is incredible - it's an amazing escape."
He said an early investigation pointed to a gas explosion and said it appeared the house would have to be demolished.He said an early investigation pointed to a gas explosion and said it appeared the house would have to be demolished.
"We don't have a time for when the evacuated residents will be allowed back into their homes," he added."We don't have a time for when the evacuated residents will be allowed back into their homes," he added.
A West Lothian Council spokesman said: "Council building control staff are on site at Loaninghill Park to assess the situation.A West Lothian Council spokesman said: "Council building control staff are on site at Loaninghill Park to assess the situation.
"It is anticipated that the property will have to be demolished because it has been so badly damaged by the explosion.""It is anticipated that the property will have to be demolished because it has been so badly damaged by the explosion."
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said its inspectors were at the scene.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said its inspectors were at the scene.
They are carrying out an investigation into the circumstances of the incident together with Lothian and Borders Police and the gas suppliers.They are carrying out an investigation into the circumstances of the incident together with Lothian and Borders Police and the gas suppliers.