FOUR homes damaged by the blast in Ayrshire which hospitalised two adults and two children are “likely to be demolished”.
South Ayrshire Council said that 35 homes remain cordoned off after the explosion on Monday in Kincaidston, a residential area in the south east of Ayr.
A cordon remains in place with the area under the control of emergency services and utility companies.
Even outwith this area, the council said the “enormity of the blast caused widespread damage” to properties in the area.
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On top of the four which are likely to be demolished, a further four require extensive repairs before the occupants will be able to return.
Other properties are still littered with debris or have been damaged by it, while hazards such as broken windows mean they are not yet safe to access.
The council said that the differing impacts of the blast meant that some homes are now safe for people to return while neighbouring homes are not.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the council said 46 homes had been identified as safe, while the process is ongoing.
The council said in a press release: “The emergency services are leading on this operation. We are continuing to work with them to preserve public safety in the entire area, whilst at the same time doing everything we can to enable people who are still displaced by the incident to return home safely.
“This is complex and detailed work and involves our Building Standards team working with the emergency services to inspect each home.”
South Ayrshire Council Leader Peter Henderson said: “I know that council teams, the emergency services and partners have been working tirelessly to help as many people as possible to return to their homes.
“This is no easy task and I am relieved that their painstaking work has allowed some families to get back home today. Of course, it’s still very early days and the devastation caused by this tragic event will take considerable time to rectify.
“We are committed to working alongside our communities and partners to support them through the aftermath of this terrible event.”
The council said it is continuing to provide targeted support for those whose homes remain unsafe, or anyone who may need additional support.
It asked people with questions who were affected by the explosion, or who may be concerned about their neighbours, to contact 0300 123 0900.
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