Man killed in explosion at homeless accommodation in Dublin city centre

Muireann Duffy

Updated: 6.05pm

A man has been killed in a suspected explosion at a homeless accommodation centre in Dublin city centre.

The alarm was raised at 3.15pm following the incident at the residential premises operated by homeless charity Depaul on Little Britain Street on the northside of the city.

The Irish Times reports a man was killed in the explosion.

Dublin Fire Brigade said five fire engines attended the scene, in addition to gardaí and personnel from both ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland.

Shortly after 4.15pm, the scene was handed over from Dublin Fire Brigade to the Gardaí.

Traffic restrictions have been put in place between Green Street and Capel Street and a cordon has been set up around the premises.

In a statement, Depaul said the incident was "confined to one room".

Service users have been evacuated, and the charity said it is working with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and NGO partners to source beds for all service users for the night.

Depaul said it was working with the Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive (DRHE) and was looking for alternative places for the residents.

It is understood that former residents were picked up by taxis at a nearby location and taken to new accommodation.

It said in a statement: “Depaul can confirm that there was an incident this afternoon in our Little Britain Street service.

“It was a localised incident confined to one room. All service users will be evacuated from the building tonight and alternative placements will be found.

“Depaul are working with the DRHE and our NGO partners to ensure no person will be left without accommodation this evening.”

Gardaí said no further information is available at the time, but added that updates will be issued in due course.

More to follow...