Man dies after Perth recycling centre explosion

The scene at Lower Friarton in Perth where fire crews were dealing with a large-scale blaze

A 46-year-old man has died following an explosion and fire at an industrial recycling plant in Perth.

The M90 at Friarton Bridge was closed for 14 hours due to the fire, which broke out at the Shore recycling centre at about 00:40.

Officers said the man's body was found at the scene and his next of kin have been informed.

A 41-year-old man was taken to Dundee's Ninewells Hospital with serious injuries following the incident.

He is being treated for burns.

Shore Recycling Ltd, which owns the plant, said both men were employees at the plant.

Michael Elwine, the managing director, said: "We are all devastated, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of our colleague who has died.

"We are extremely grateful to the emergency services for their skill and diligence in dealing with the incident."

He said the cause of the fire was not known but it had now been contained.

"We will co-operate fully with any investigations," he added. "The plant remains closed until further notice."

The M90 was closed both ways for 14 hours due to smoke from the fire

Locals reported hearing a number of loud booms from the blasts.

Scottish Fire and Rescue said the blaze involved about 200 tonnes of scrap metal.

Thick smoke was seen billowing across the carriageways of the motorway above.

Amey, which maintains the Friarton Bridge, said it would carry out an inspection for any fire damage when it was safe to do so.

The bridge fully reopened shortly after 15:15.

Special operations team

Six fire engines and other specialist appliances including a high-volume pumping unit and aerial platforms, were sent to the scene.

It is the second major fire at the recycling centre in six months, following a blaze there in September.

A Scottish Ambulance Service special operations team - made up of specially trained paramedics who provide the ambulance response to hazardous or challenging incidents - was also in attendance.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We dispatched two ambulances and our special operations team to the scene, with our first resource arriving within seven minutes.

"We transported one patient to Ninewells Hospital."

Smoke from the blaze has forced the closure of the Friarton Bridge

Ch Insp Tom Leonard, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has died at what is a very difficult time for them.

"Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and officers are conducting a joint investigation with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it was aware of incident and was assisting Police Scotland with their inquiries.