LAST UPDATE | 18 Jan
INVESTIGATIONS HAVE BEEN launched after a man died in an explosion at a homeless shelter in Dublin city centre this afternoon.
Defence Forces explosive experts were called to the site near Capel Street in Dublin this evening but it is understood at this stage to be a self-contained and isolated incident.
Dublin Fire Brigade and other emergency services first responded to the incident on Little Britain Street from around 3.15pm.
Firefighters and advanced paramedics from Phibsborough, Tara Street and North Strand fire stations responded and the incident was brought under control by 3.35pm.
The assistance of ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland were also requested to the scene.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said one male sustained fatal injuries in the incident.
No other injuries were reported.
The spokesperson added there were reports of an explosion earlier inside the building, a homeless shelter.
It’s understood a number of individuals were present at the time.
Initial investigations by Garda forensics experts led to calling in army explosive experts to examine items found in the room.
The hostel, located on Little Britain St in Dublin, is operated by the DePaul charity.
One hostel resident told The Journal that a wall, separating the women’s and men’s sections, was damaged in the explosion.
DePaul said it was working with the DRHE and other partner NGOs to house the residents of the hostel this evening.
In a statement, the charity confirmed there was a “localised incident” inside one room of the shelter.
It later said that all service users were evacuated from the building and alternative placements have been found.
“The building was evacuated in an exemplary manner, adhering to our safety protocol,” the charity said.
“Our heart goes out to the service user who lost their life, as well as their family and service users who were in the building at the time. This was an isolated incident, confined to one room and no other service users were physically harmed in this incident. We wish to thank the emergency services, DRHE, and our NGO partners for their assistance in the emergency response.”
In a joint statement, the Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive (DRHE) and Dublin Fire Brigade said the incident happpened within the building and “was confined to one room”.
“Our priority is to safely re-accommodate all residents tonight,” they said.
Explosive experts arriving on scene after a man died in explosion at Dublin homeless hostel earlier today. (Video: PA) https://t.co/KRYdtIG5YL pic.twitter.com/MoUrBN4ZxD
— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) January 18, 2024
Gardaí are investigating the precise cause of the explosion. Garda Technical Bureau will examine the scene.
Dublin Fire Brigade said a number of traffic restrictions are in place between Green Street and Capel Street as it deals with the incident. At least two fire vehicles were present at the scene.
Additional reporting by Eimer McAuley at the scene, Niall O’Connor and Lauren Boland.
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