Investigations have begun into a site explosion in East Renfrewshire.

Contractors working for MacTaggart and Mickel struck rock while digging foundations for a large housing site in Eaglesham village.

They planned to carry out drilling and controlled blasting

But homeowners in the area said they had no warning of this decision before yesterday afternoon's blast, and rocks and debris showered onto nearby houses and cars, causing damage.


One local told STV: "The whole house shook and rocks showered down all over, damaging homes and cars. There are debris and rocks strewn all over the roads and in people's gardens. I think at least 20 houses have been affected and there's been windows panned in, house tiles smashed, cars damaged - I think it's very lucky no one got killed."

A spokesman for the construction firm said investigations would focus on finding the cause of the incident.

He said: "While there is no evidence of anyone being injured our immediate priority is the safety of the local community, residents and personnel on site.

"We are working with the emergency services who are on site and have a team of skilled tradesmen on standby to secure and repair affected properties."

(NE)