LOCAL residents in Kincaidston are beginning to return to their homes following a devastating explosion in a house which left four people in hospital, but four houses are "likely to be demolished".

South Ayrshire Council today announced that they have identified 46 properties which householders can safely return to, but there are still 35 homes which remain cordoned off.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 7:10pm on Monday night, after a suspected gas explosion in the Gorse Park area of Ayr.

The incident was reportedly heard miles away from the area, but the immediate impact zone caused damage to surrounding property in the area, meaning that some residents remain locked out of their home.

READ MORE: Shocking photos show extent of Ayrshire explosion as four remain in hospital

A spokesperson for South Ayshire Council said: "As of Wednesday October 20 we have been able to identify around 46 properties which householders can safely return to.  This process started yesterday afternoon and is ongoing today.

“Out with the cordoned off zone, the enormity of the blast caused widespread damage and properties in the wider area have been affected differently.  Four of these properties have been significantly damaged and will require to be extensively repaired before the householders can return. 

“Other properties have been damaged by debris and some homes are not yet safe to access due to broken windows or debris strewn across the garden area or within the property itself.

“This means that, within individual streets, some homes are now safe for people to return, while neighbouring homes are not.”

Shocking pictures from the scene showed that one house had been completley destroyed whilst the other properties directly attached to it were badly damaged. Those attached houses are likely to be demolished according to a release by South Ayrshire Council.

The Herald:

READ MORE: Four in hospital and residents evacuated after explosion tears through house in Ayr

Residents affected by the blast on Monday night were evacuated from the area and those with damaged property were given shelter in the nearby Queen Margaret Academy.

The Kincaidston Community Centre and St Columba Church also opened their doors for those who needed help.

The site of the explosion is currently under the control of the emergency services and other utility companies inspecting the grounds for specific causes of the incident.

The Herald:

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson said that council teams and the emergency services have been working ‘tirelessly’ to help as many people as possible to return to their homes.

He said: “This is no easy task, and I am relieved that the emergency services painstaking work has allowed some families to get back home today.

“Of course, it’s still very early days and the devastation caused by this tragic event will take considerable time to rectify.

“We are committed to working alongside our communities and partners to support them through the aftermath of this terrible event.”