A man has died following an explosion and fire at a recycling centre in Perth.
M90 Friarton Bridge, Perth, has been closed in both directions due to an explosion at premises in the harbour area of Friarton Road.
Emergency services are at the scene and people are advised to avoid the area, police have asked.
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser MSP, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, was forced to use the diversion caused by the closure of the Friarton Bridge.
Commenting, he said: “Like many other Perth residents, I was caught up in serious traffic congestion this morning. From what I’ve heard, it seems there was an explosion and fire at the recycling plant near the Friarton Bridge, Perth, in the early hours of this morning and this led to the emergency services dealing with the incident, and the subsequent closure of the bridge. It’s obviously a very serious incident and I would thank the emergency services for responding so quickly.
“The bridge has obviously been closed due to safety concerns stemming from the fire at the recycling centre and also concerns about smoke from the plant drifting across the carriageways of the Friarton Bridge. Traffic has been diverted through Perth, and I would ask anyone caught up in this to please be patient.”
The incident happened around 00.45am 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.
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.”
Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire said: “The terrible explosion and fire at the Shore Recycling centre has stunned the whole of Perth, and for someone to lose their life so shortly after the tragic fire in the New County Hotel has just compounded the sense of shock. All of us in the city offer our condolences to the man’s family during this devastating time. We also hope for a speedy recovery to the other man who has been hospitalised by the incident.
“This is the third fire at the Shore Road site in less than two years, and what we now need is a full investigation into what happened, a proper examination into what measures were put in place following the previous incidents, and information on what the statutory authorities were doing to monitor the ongoing situation at Shore Road.
“As well as the tragic death at the facility, Perth was gridlocked for several hours this morning as detours through the city had to be set up to accommodate the closing of the Friarton Bridge. Today’s disruption is on a scale that we have rarely seen in Perth in recent years.
“The Shore Road facility recycles electrical goods and other materials which are difficult to dispose of. Going forward, the people of Perth need to be reassured by authorities that the necessary safety regulations are being implemented at the site to ensure that such a tragic incident can never happen again.”
M90 Friarton Bridge – Now open in both directions.
