A multi-storey block in Germiston, Glasgow, has been demolished by a controlled explosion.

It took 55 kilos of explosives and just five seconds to reduce the 17-storey tower block in Forge Place to 12,000 tonnes of rubble.

Commissioned by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), the demolition was carried out under strictly controlled conditions which included evacuating 200 households from within the exclusion zone.

Safedem and DPSi consulting engineers were the team behind the demolition.

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The Forge Place block was one of three high towers built in the Germiston area in the north of the city in 1967. Demand for the properties fell in the 1980s and an adjacent block at 9 Coll Place was demolished in 1992. Yesterday's demolition leaves one block remaining which will be demolished within the next few years.

William Sinclair of Safedem said: "This is the ninth tower block we have demolished for Glasgow Housing Association and we are delighted to have completed another safe and successful blowdown operation."

Alan Ramsay of DPSi consulting engineers, added: "Once again we have witnessed a safe and successful conclusion to a specialist demolition project which has been achieved through the dedicated and professional input of all participants."

(GK/JM)