Part of building collapses following explosion near shopping centre as ‘almighty bang’ leaves huge gaping hole

A section of a building collapsed after an explosion in Dundee on Wednesday.

Part of the electrical substation building across the road from the back entrance of the Overgate Shopping Centre collapsed, with claims of “debris everywhere”.

Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke following a loud bang at the shopping centre.

Emergency services have taped off the scene and no injuries have currently been reported.

Fire crews were called to the scene and remain there.

Malcolm Angus, the centre manager at the Overgate said: “At approximately 11am today the SSEN substation at the rear of Overgate malfunctioned and caused an explosion.

“Emergency services are on-site, there were no injuries to any members of the public and SSEN are on-site trying to establish the cause of the incident.”

“Overgate remains open, with traffic restrictions at the rear of the centre.”

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One workman who was close to the scene of the incident said there was “an almighty bang” followed by a “load of smoke” and the wall collapsing.

Another witness described feeling scared by the explosion, telling The Courier: “We were on the ramp walking out of the shopping centre when we heard a really loud bang and the next thing the wall collapsed.”

“We saw flames and smoke and felt the heat from the explosion. It was really quite scary and I think we went into shock a little bit.”

A third person said: “Emergency services have sealed off an area to the rear of the centre. At least six police cars and two fire engines are in attendance.”

“A building opposite the North Lindsay Street exit has collapsed. There is debris everywhere.”

Other witnesses recalled seeing girls covered in dust, but said they looked uninjured.

Workers in nearby businesses reported a brief power cut at the time of the incident.

A SSEN spokesman said: “We are responding to an incident at a substation adjacent to Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee, where a significant equipment failure has taken place.”

“The network was disconnected automatically to make supplies safe, and teams are on-site to support relevant authorities. An urgent investigation into the cause is now under way.”