A large explosion has rocked an Aberdeenshire community after fire broke out at a housing construction site.
Moments later the roof of a new build home at Chapelton of Elsick collapsed as shocked local looked on.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service first received reports of multiple buildings on fire just after noon.
Once on scene, they discovered one under-construction home well alight at the development, along Greenlaw Road in Chapelton, near Newtonhill.
The fire burned fiercely – though fire crews swiftly had it under control – and was described as “huge” by one onlooker, who asked not to be named.
“People all around here heard an explosion,” the woman said.
“We looked over and saw the new builds on fire.
“It all happened so fast. Then the roof caved in. It was so scary.
“The fire was huge.”
The resident added: “It is such a shame for those that have already bought houses there.
“There’s such a lot of damage.”
Another local person said they understood the house had already been purchased and the damage would be a huge blow to its would-be owners.
A fireman at the scene told The P&J that the home involved was”still in the process of being built”.
Multiple fire crews were sent to the scene, with four fire appliances joined by a specialist height vehicle.
A hose was hooked up from Kilsyth Road water mains.
The fire is thought to have been prevented from spreading to other buildings.
It is understood police were also called to the scene.
Our reporters are working to bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
Please check back later for more and follow The Press and Journal on Facebook for breaking news.
Conversation