Concerns for man's whereabouts after Killarney gas explosion

Concerns have been raised for the whereabouts of a man following a suspected gas explosion in Co Kerry today.

The explosion happened at around 6.20am this morning at a laundrette on Brewery Lane in the centre of Killarney.

A number of people sustained minor injuries while buildings in the vicinity have also been damaged.

The International and Ross hotels have also been evacuated.

Four units of the Fire Brigade attended the scene as well as the Garda Forensics Team.

The explosion blew out the walls of the premises while windows in a number of nearby buildings, including a hotel, were smashed.

An investigation is under way to confirm the cause of the blast.

Earlier, the International Hotel 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."