Police say two people aged, 43 and 54, were also taken to hospital following the blast in Edinburgh.
An 84-year-old man has died following an explosion at a house in Edinburgh.
Two people aged, 43 and 54, were also taken to hospital for treatment following the blast, which happened in the Baberton area of the city.
Police Scotland said the alarm was raised on Baberton Mains Avenue at about 22:25 on Friday.
A force spokesperson said: “There are no suspicious circumstances and we are continuing to work alongside our partner agencies.”
One eyewitness told BBC Scotland News she could smell gas at the scene.
On Saturday a neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “It was like a bomb going off.”
The house was completely destroyed and the force of the blast shook dozens of properties nearby.
Rubble, including large chunks of masonry, was strewn across the street and several cars were also damaged.
Image source, PA Media
Alison Broadhurst, 26, was getting ready for bed in her home a street away when there was a huge bang that shook her house.
“I thought something had hit the roof of my house, it was terrifying,” she said.
“I went downstairs into the street and all the car alarms were going off.”
Ms Broadhurst said she walked around the corner and saw that a house had been destroyed.
She added: “I think it was a semi-detached house.
“I could smell gas and then I could hear the sirens of the emergency services getting closer and closer.”
‘One half of a house has just fallen away’
Image source, PA Media
At the scene: Katie Hunter, BBC Scotland reporter
The end of Baberton Mains Avenue is still sealed off and there is debris all across the road.
One half of a house has just fallen away and on the road you can see plant pots and bricks.
Houses on the other side have broken windows and there is debris on top of cars.
One man said he was thrown onto his bed by the force of the explosion.
Neighbours told me they are really shocked that a man has died.
Image source, Getty Images
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said five appliances and specialist services were involved in the operation but were stood down at 06:39 on Saturday.
Gas distributor SGNA confirmed it was brought in to assist 999 crews.
A spokeswoman said: “Our engineers worked with the emergency services to ensure the immediate vicinity in Baberton Mains Avenue was made safe in our role as the gas emergency service.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the family of the man who has tragically died as well as those who have been injured.
“While it is too early to speculate as to what has happened, we are working closely with the authorities to help discover the cause.”
Image source, PA Media
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the SNP’s Joanna Cherry KC said: “I am so sad to read of this terrible tragedy in #Baberton and just before Xmas.”
The Edinburgh South West MP also shared her contact details and offered her assistance to the family affected.
Sue Webber, a Scottish Tory MSP for the Lothian region, wrote on social media: “Such tragic news, in such a close community.
“Thank you to all the emergency services that attended.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this incident.”
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