Killarney hotel evacuated after nearby gas explosion

A number of people have suffered minor injuries in a gas explosion in Killarney, Co Kerry.

The explosion happened at a laundrette on Kenmare Place at around 6.30am this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene and an adjoining International Hotel was evacuated.

The hotel later issued a statement, saying: "Due to an explosion in a neighbouring building our hotel has had to be evacuated this morning at 6:30am.

"All guests and staff are safe and accounted for.

"All of our guests are being accommodated in neighbouring hotels.

"While we can’t confirm when we will have access to the hotel we are taking the precaution that guests will have to be moved to alternative hotels until we can properly access the situation."

Motorists are advised that Kenmare Place, College Street, Plunkett Street, Mission Street and East Avenue Road have been closed for the next number of hours.