At least four dead in Glasgow factory explosion

At least four people were killed when a huge explosion flattened a Scottish plastics factory earlier today, trapping workers …

At least four people were killed when a huge explosion flattened a Scottish plastics factory earlier today, trapping workers in the wreckage.

Rescuers searching through the rubble to save 10 people believed to be trapped.
Rescuers searching through the rubble to save 10 people believed to be trapped.

The explosion destroyed Stockline Plastics in the west end of the city shortly after midday.

Rescuers were tonight battling to save 10 people believed to be trapped under the rubble.

Local fire chief Brian Sweeney said there were three dead and 37 injured in the blast. A police spokesman later said a fourth body had been pulled from the rubble.

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Rescuers first used their hands to tear through rubble of the Stockline Plastics factory - described by witnesses as like an earthquake site - and had made contact by mid-afternoon with one of those trapped inside, local Chief Superintendent David Christie said.

Two navy helicopters were sent to help the rescue operation.

Reports said the blast may have been caused by a gas leak, although gas operator Transco said there was no indication of a gas leak from fire services.

The police said:  "At the moment, we are just treating it as an emergency operation to get people out - we have no indication what caused it."

Images showed wounded people staggering near the rubble with bandaged, bloodied faces. Bodies on stretchers could also be seen being pulled out. Emergency service sources said at least two people were feared killed in the blast at the Stockline Plastics factory.