Loud bangs reported as ambulance responding to call 'explodes into flames'

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 7th Dec 2023

An ambulance responding to an emergency call exploded into flames in the Scottish Borders, according to eyewitness reports.

The Scottish Ambulance Service has confirmed one of its vehicles was involved in an incident on the A701 near Blyth Bridge around 5.20pm on Wednesday evening.

A spokesperson told Greatest Hits Radio: "There was no patient on board and the SAS crew were not injured as a result of the incident.

"An additional vehicle was dispatched to the original call.”

Locals report the road was closed between the Kirkdean and Skirling junctions.

READ MORE: Man, 36, rushed to hospital following 'collision with van' in Peebles

One said: "Was fairly up in flames when we got diverted; fire engine was just coming when we went away. The oxygen bottles had gone off!"

Another added: "Dad heard the loud bangs from the house. He heard people have gotten out before the explosion."

We've asked the fire service for an update.

For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.