One person killed in Dublin hostel explosion

One person has died.

A homeless hostel in Dublin was evacuated earlier this afternoon (January 18) following reports of an explosion. It has since been confirmed that one man has died. The Irish Times confirmed the news reporting that the explosion was contained to one room occupied by a single person who is believed to have been a client of the centre. A joint statement from Dublin Fire Brigade and DRHE reads:

"At 3:15pm, today, Dublin Fire Brigade received an emergency call reporting a serious incident at a premises on Little Britain Street. Firefighter/Advanced Paramedics from Phibsborough, Tara Street and North Strand fire stations responded and the incident was under control by 3:35pm. In total five fire engines were mobilised to the scene along with a District Officer. The assistance of ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland and An Garda Síochána was requested and the scene was handed over to Gardaí at 4:15pm hours. "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."

The incident took place at around 3.30pm.

The explosion took place at the Supported Temporary Accommodation hostel on Little Britain Street in Dublin City Centre. RTE News report that residents reported hearing a loud bang before seeing smoke. They were then evacuated from the premises. https://twitter.com/SamanthaLibreri/status/1748023559476105565

Roads are closed and diversions are in place.

A number of residents are still standing outside the building cloaked in foil sheets. Nearby streets have been sealed off by the Gardai and diversions remain in place. An Garda Siochana released a statement on the incident, reading: "Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade are currently at the scene of an incident a residential premises on Little Britain Street, Dublin 7. "The alarm was raised shortly after 3:30pm following reports of an explosion inside the premises. Residents have been evacuated and a cordon and local traffic diversions are in place. "Fire Services currently have primacy at the scene." Featured Image: Rolling News

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