Owner believed to have died instantly in launderette blast

A suspected gas explosion that rocked Killarney, Co Kerry, at 6.20am on Saturday claimed the life of a popular local businessman, further loss of life being avoided due to the early hour of the blast.

The body of James Gleeson, 59, was removed from the ruins of his launderette at Brewery Lane, in the heart of the town, before noon yesterday.

He is believed to have died instantly in the blast, which was heard more than 1km away.