Body found outside house after blast

THE body of a man who died yesterday in a gas explosion was found outside his rented cottage, which was severely damaged in the blast.

Gardaí believe the gas had been turned on for some time before it was ignited. Foul play is not suspected.

The man, in his 20s, was believed to be Lithuanian. He was living in the cottage near a well-known scenic area at Lough Gur, Co Limerick.

Gardaí believe a container of bottled gas exploded in the kitchen, killing the man instantly.

The blast brought down the roof and a wall of the house.

The man had been renting the house for a number of months.

Two units of Kilmallock Fire Brigade were called to the scene.

Fr Sean Kennelly administered the last rites.

Supt Ann Marie McMahon of Bruff said scene of crime technical experts had been called in to assist in the investigation.

The explosion happened at about midday. Neighbours alerted the authorities on hearing the loud bang.

One local man said: “I knew a man from abroad had been renting the house. I haven’t met him and only saw a car parked at the side of the cottage when passing. There was still a strong smell of gas in the air for hours after the blast.”

The body was later removed to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital where a postmortem will be carried out today.

Gardaí were last night trying to contact relatives of the dead man.