SCOTLAND: Rescue workers were searching brick by brick through the wrecked plastics factory in Glasgow last night in the hope that two people trapped in debris could be brought out alive.
No further survivors were pulled from the rubble of Stockline Plastics yesterday following the blast at noon on Tuesday which killed seven people. But Strathclyde fire brigade said it was "optimistic" the trapped pair were alive.
Rescue efforts were being concentrated on two areas last night. Following evidence from an eyewitness, rescue workers were trying to gain access to a basement where they believed one person was at the time of the blast.
Among the reported missing was Stewart McCall, the chief executive of Stockline Plastics. His daughter, Sheena, worked alongside him and was also caught in the blast. She was seriously ill in hospital yesterday.
Last night, the roof of the factory was being painstakingly removed and cranes were being brought in to lower rescue workers into the wreckage.
"This allows us to get access to places we haven't been before. It is the best hope of getting people out alive," said Brian Sweeney, firemaster of Strathclyde police.
Emergency services have set a deadline for recovery of 8 a.m. on Saturday. They believe there is a little chance anyone can survive beyond that.
Only two people are unaccounted for, but Strathclyde police said they could not rule out the possibility that a passer-by had become trapped.
After a gruelling night, rescue workers' hopes were raised yesterday morning when they heard knocking noises coming from beneath the rubble. The knocking faded, however, and trained rescue dogs were unable to trace a scent.
Strathclyde police named four of the victims. They were: Ms Ann Trench (34), Glasgow; Ms Margaret Brownlie (49), Strathaven, Lanarkshire; Ms Tracey McErlane (27), Glasgow; and Peter Ferguson (52), Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.
Raymond Hepburn, from the Scottish ambulance service, said 42 people were treated in hospital. Eleven people remained in a serious condition in hospitals across Glasgow.
Yesterday afternoon, rescue workers made holes in the wreckage so they could insert remote cameras.