Man killed in four-storey blaze with 40 people evacuated from their homes

A man has died and an eight-year-old girl has been left injured after a four-storey building caught on fire.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning on Scott Street, with a man pronounced dead at the scene.

An eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man were also taken to hospital.

Two firefighters also sustained minor injuries and other blocks of flats nearby were evacuated.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Andy Girrity of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘On arrival, firefighters found the roof of a four-storey residential building well alight.

‘Initially, three appliances were mobilised, but due to the severity of the blaze and structural collapses, a total of twelve appliances were involved at the height of the incident.

‘Five casualties, including one firefighter injured by falling masonry, were passed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

‘The incident has now been scaled back, and two appliances and one height vehicle remain on scene to dampen down hot spots.’

Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Nicola Russel said: ‘Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.

‘Investigations are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.

‘We are conducting a joint investigation with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.’

John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland and MSP to Perthshire North, said: ‘Terribly sorry to hear of the death of a man in the fire in Scott Street, Perth.

‘I express my sympathy to his family. Concerned also for the condition of those who are receiving hospital treatment.

‘This is a major incident and I am thankful to the emergency services.’

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