Irishman killed in Perth explosion

An Irishman has been killed in an explosion at a shopping centre in Perth, Australia.

Two people have been confirmed dead following the incident, and two more are thought to be in a critical condition in hospital.

Western Australia Police said all four had been working in an area near the electrical transformer.

A number of others were also injured, and around half a dozen people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and shock. It is understood some of the injured were electrical contractors.

Western Australia Police reported a 30-year-old man died at the scene, while another died from severe injuries after being taken to Royal Perth Hospital.

“The cause of the explosion is unknown and WA Police will be working with WorkSafe and EnergySafety personnel as part of the investigation. A report will be prepared for the coroner,” they said.

It is understood that the Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the situation and is offering consular assistance to the Irishman’s family.

The blast is thought to have originated in an electrical transformer room at the Morley Galleria shopping centre.

Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 9.30am local time, responding to reports of a fire near a Woolworths store in the complex.

Witnesses speaking to the Australia Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) said they saw people engulfed in flames, running out of the building.

“I thought a car had exploded, petrol… but it was a lot worse than that, it was the worst sight I had seen in my entire life,” one witness told ABC.

Another witness said she had seen a “wall of flames” coming out of the side of the shopping centre, after hearing an explosion inside.

An ABC journalist at the scene tweeted that even mothers with prams sprang into action to help the injured.

It is understood bystanders doused the victims in water and covered them in wet clothes, while others diverted traffic to allow access for emergency services.

Woolworths later released a statement saying that the store was evacuated following an explosion.

“This incident occurred on Morley Galleria property controlled by Federation Centres,” the statement said. “It did not occur in the Woolworths store or area managed by Woolworths.

“Our thoughts are with those injured in the incident. Unfortunately we understand WA Police have confirmed there has been a fatality and our thoughts are with family and friends.”