Man Dies, Girl Injured in Major Perth Flat Fire

A devastating fire broke out early Saturday morning in a four-storey residential building on the corner of Scott Street and South Street in Perth, Scotland, resulting in the death of a man and injuries to an eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man, all of whom were hospitalized. Firefighters responded with twelve appliances to tackle the blaze, which destroyed the roof and top floor of the building housing the Royal Bar on the ground floor, and two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the operation. Approximately 40 residents were evacuated and taken to a respite center at the nearby Salutation Hotel. Authorities, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, are conducting a joint investigation, with temporary airspace restrictions and drone bans implemented around the area for safety and security. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell expressed condolences to those affected and emphasized the early stage of the investigation, while local officials, including First Minister John Swinney and Perth and Kinross MP Pete Wishart, extended their sympathies and praised the emergency response. Road closures and police cordons remain in place, with public urged to avoid the area while inquiries continue.