Man killed in explosion at homeless hostel in Dublin city centre as Gardai evacuate area & street sealed off
A MAN has been killed in an explosion at a homeless shelter in Dublin city this afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to a hostel, located on Little Britain St, in Dublin, following reports of an explosion shortly after 3:15pm.
It is understood that one man sustained fatal injuries in the incident.
Cops confirmed that residents have been evacuated from the immediate area of the incident and a cordon is in place. There are no reports of any other injuries.
Firefighters and Advanced Paramedics from Phibsborough, Tara Street and North Strand fire stations responded after receiving an emergency call reporting the "serious incident".
Five fire engines were mobilised to the scene and the incident was brought "under control" by approximately 3.35pm this afternoon, it has been confirmed.
The assistance of ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland was requested at the scene earlier this afternoon.
The hostel, located near Capel Street, is operated by the DePaul charity, who confirmed that they are aware of the explosion.
A spokesperson said it was a "localised" incident that was "confined to one room" of the building.
They confirmed this evening that alternative placements have been found for all service users at the hostel following the incident today.
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They added: "The building was evacuated in an exemplary manner, adhering to our safety protocol.
"Our heart goes out to the service user who lost their life, as well as their family and service users who were in the building at the time.
"This was an isolated incident, confined to one room and no other service users were physically harmed in this incident.
"We wish to thank the emergency services, DRHE, and our NGO partners for their assistance in the emergency response."
In a statement, Dublin Region Homeless Executive confirmed that the residents of the building are being evacuated on a "temporary basis".
A spokesperson said: "The DRHE was notified this afternoon of a serious incident at a supported hostel in the city.
"The incident occurred within the building and was confined to one room.
"All residents are being evacuated on a temporary basis to allow for a full assessment. Our priority is to safely re-accommodate all residents tonight.
"Our sincere thanks to our NGO partners, An Garda Síochana and Dublin Fire Brigade who are assisting on the ground."
Former Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring said the community has been left saddened by the tragic news as word spreads this evening.
The Independent Councillor told the Irish Sun: "Everybody is saddened by the news that a man has died following an explosion at a homeless hostel in Little Britain Street.
'TERRIBLE TRAGEDY'
"It seems to have been a blast in just one room and obviously the Gardai and Dublin Fire Brigade will do a thorough investigation.
"I know DePaul Ireland run excellent facilities and these would be to the highest safety standards.
"At this time, of course, thoughts and prayers should be with deceased man and his family."
Fine Gael Councillor Declan Flanagan said the explosion this evening was a "terrible tragedy".
Speaking to The Irish Sun, he said: "I'm very sorry to hear what happened.
"No doubt there will be a full investigation on the matter in due course. My heart goes out to the person who tragically passed away."
Local traffic diversions have been put in place and road users and pedestrians have been urged to avoid the area, which is between Green Street and Capel Street, as emergency services "deal with an incident."
In a statement to the Irish Sun this evening, a Garda spokesperson said the precise cause of the explosion is "currently under investigation".
The Garda Technical Bureau will examine the scene.
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Dublin Fire Brigade earlier confirmed that they were attending the scene and urged all traffic to divert away from the area.
Taking to social media, a spokesperson said: Traffic restrictions in place between Green Street and Capel Street as we deal with an incident. Divert if possible."
