Scottish tourist dies in Rome hospital after suspected gas explosion

A Scottish tourist who suffered severe burns in a suspected gas explosion at a building in Rome has died of his injuries.

Grant Paterson, 54, was admitted to hospital on 23 March after the explosion and subsequent collapse of the block of flats where he was staying, in the Monteverde district.

The explosion, which is still under investigation, occurred on the final day of Paterson’s visit to the Italian capital. He was pulled out from beneath the rubble and taken to Rome’s Saint’Eugenio, where he underwent several operations for burns to about 75% of his body.

Doctors said a few days ago that Paterson, from East Kilbride in South Lanarkshire, was not conscious and his breathing was being “mechanically assisted”. His death was announced on Tuesday.

Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, visiting the scene of the explosion. Photograph: Valentina Stefanelli/AP

Paterson had arrived in Rome on 17 March on a solo trip, visiting tourist sites including the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and the Colosseum. In a post on Facebook, he shared photos of his accommodation, writing that it was “beautiful” and that the images did not do it justice.

Roberto Gualtieri, the mayor of Rome, said the news of his death had “saddened the whole of Rome”. “I would like to express to his loved ones and fellow compatriots my personal condolences and those of the city,” Gualtieri said. “I truly hope that the investigation into the incident can quickly shed light on this terrible accident.”

Italy’s tourism minister, Daniela Santanchè, also offered condolences to Paterson’s family, adding it was essential “to shed full light” on what happened.

She said: “The safety of tourists is an absolute priority, and it is precisely for this reason that the tourism ministry has introduced specific measures regarding safety and fire prevention, so that everyone can stay in our country with complete peace of mind.”

It is unclear where the explosion originated in the three-storey centuries-old building, which reportedly contained six flats. There were no other injuries.

Paterson worked for the Scottish ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac). His employer described him as “a true gentleman” and said colleagues were “distraught” by his death.

Diane Burke, CalMac’s chief operating officer, added: “During a distinguished 12-year career with us, he embodied the very best of CalMac and, with his larger-than-life character, he was much loved by colleagues and passengers alike. Our thoughts are with Grant’s friends and family at this extremely difficult time.”