TWO PEOPLE have been rushed to hospital after Glasgow’s Christmas market was rocked by an explosion – with one local describing how they felt the blast at a hotel nearby.
Emergency crews have locked down the area at St Enoch Square in the city centre following the incident at around 11am this morning.
THE SCOTTISH SUNEmergency crews raced to the scene this morning[/caption]
THE SCOTTISH SUNThe Christmas market at St Enoch Square has been locked down[/caption]
It is understood a gas canister blew up near the Helter Skelter fairground ride.
It is understood that two people were rushed to hospital in an ambulance after being injured by the blast.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service teams confirmed that “two casualties” were handed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service with three appliances being mobilised to the scene.
However the extent of their injures or their current condition is not yet known.
Witnesses reported seeing saw two women being doused with water after crews arrived.
Officers have confirmed that enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the explosion.
The area has been locked down by cops with Howard Street currently closed from Stockwell Place to Dixon Street.
According to a traffic sign at the scene, the area will remain closed until further notice.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of an explosion involving a gas canister at St Enoch Square in Glasgow around 11am on Monday, 5 December.
“Emergency services are currently at the scene and the area has been closed off while work is ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called to assist emergency service partners around 11am on Monday, 5 December to reports of a gas explosion within the Christmas Market at St Enoch Square, Glasgow.
“Operations Control mobilised three appliances to the scene.
“Two casualties were handed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.”
Photos from the scene show the Christmas market and the fairground area is currently blocked off with locals being moved away from the area.
A police vehicle is also in the area with alongside many officers on foot.
The St Enoch entrance to the Glasgow Subway has also been closed.
The rail service told passengers that trains are still running but are not stopping at the station.
The north entrance is now open but it is still inaccessible from the south entrance.
Those near the area at the time said they heard a “loud bang” and a “large boom” when the explosion happened.
Another local said they “felt the bang” while they were staying at a nearby hotel.
THE SCOTTISH SUNOfficers remain in the area[/caption]
THE SCOTTISH SUNIt is thought that a gas canister exploded[/caption]
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