LAST UPDATE | 2 hrs ago

A MAN HAS died after a fire broke out following a reported explosion at a home in Co Roscommon last night.

It happened at a housing estate near Frenchpark village, which is around 30km north of Roscommon town. Gardaí and emergency services responded to the scene.

Gardaí were made aware of the incident at 7.15pm, a spokesperson said, and the fire was extinguished by fire services. Emergency services are understood to have responded to reports very quickly.

Units from the fire service, gardaí, ambulance staff and an air ambulance attended the scene. Smoke from the blaze could be seen from a great distance away. 

The body of a man was later recovered and removed from the home. His remains have been taken from the scene to University Hospital Galway ahead of a postmortem examination.

The scene remains sealed off for technical examinations and enquiries are ongoing.

Independent councillor for the area Micheál Frain described last night’s incident as a “tragic event”, adding that news of the blaze has been difficult for the town of Frenchpark.

He said his thoughts and prayers are with the man’s family and the “great community” of Frenchpark.

Fellow local councillor Valerie Byrne said the news of the event has “shocked everyone” and described the event as a “terrible tragedy”. She also extended her condolences to the man’s family.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciarán Mullooly said last night that his “heart goes out to all those affected by this horrific blaze”.

With reporting by Muiris Ó Cearbhaill