First picture of OAP killed in devastating Edinburgh house explosion as emergency crews scour scene
THE pensioner who died in a devastating house explosion in Edinburgh has been pictured for the first time.
Jim Smith, 84, has been named locally as the man who lost his life in the horror blast which shook Baberton Mains in Avenue last night.
Cops confirmed the tragic OAP died in the explosion, which destroyed a home on the residential street.
Fire crews raced to rescue a man and woman from the pile of rubble where the house once was before they were rushed to hospital.
One hero dad and another local even selflessly raced to rescue a third person from the remains of the home as neighbouring residents were evacuated.
Pieces of the building were blown over the street after the devastating blast.
Nearby cars and houses had their windows smashed by flying debris propelled by the explosion.
Neighbours said their houses shaking after the blast and the bang was so loud that some reported hearing it while in a cinema in nearby Wester Hailes.
A massive probe has been launched to find out which caused the fatal explosion.
Police and gas workers have scoured the area all day as the investigation begins.
The SFRS Fire Investigation Unit has also been called out to examine the scene.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “An 84-year-old man has died following an explosion at a house in Baberton Mains Avenue in Edinburgh.
“Officers received multiple reports following the incident around 10.25pm on Friday, 1 December 2023.
“Emergency services attended and a 43-year-old woman and 54-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment.
“Several properties were evacuated as a precaution and the road remains closed.
“There are no suspicious circumstances, and we continue to work alongside our partner agencies.”