Brit vacationer, 54, dies every week after gasoline explosion destroyed his B&B in Rome leaving loved-ones ‘distraught’
A British tourist has died from his injuries after a suspected gas explosion destroyed his B&B in Rome.
54-year-old Grant Paterson, from East Kilbride, was fighting for his life at Sant’Eugenio Hospital in the Italian capital after blast on March 22.
He was pulled from the rubble by mercy crews but suffered burns to 75 per cent of his body, according to reports.
His family, including his daughter, joined him in Italy last Monday before he underwent his first operation to remove burnt debris from his body, according to the Daily Record.
Doctors were scheduled to perform surgery to replace his damaged skin with that of a donor last week.
However, it was today confirmed that he has now passed away.
Paterson, who arrived in Rome a few days before the building collapsed, was described as a ‘true gentleman’ by former colleagues at ferry operator CalMac.
Diane Burke, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, said: ‘Everyone at CalMac is distraught that Grant has passed away. He was a true gentleman and a credit to MV Clansman, the vessel he served aboard.
Facebook picture of Grant Paterson in Rome
Emergency workers at the building after the suspected gas leak
Workers spent nearly an hour trying to free Paterson before rushing him to hospital
‘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.’
Other tributes have also appeared on social media.
Chris Gibson, another CalMac employee, said: ‘Devastated at the news today that Grant Paterson has lost his battle for survival. RIP and fair winds. You will be sorely missed big guy.’
A fundraiser to support Paterson’s family while they are in Rome has raised over £11,000, despite the initial target being £1,000.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has ordered a probe into the building’s collapse, which saw emergency crews scramble to the scene after the alarm was raised.
He said: ‘Initial findings seem to indicate that it was a gas leak, perhaps from a cylinder that exploded, causing very significant damage.
‘There is one injured person. He is reportedly a guest of an accommodation facility, and investigations are under way into the B&B.’
The B&B, named Mamma Roma, was situated in busy neighbourhood of Monteverde, in southwest Rome
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has ordered a probe into the building’s collapse
Gualtieri visiting the scene of the devastation
The B&B, named Mamma Roma, was situated in busy neighbourhood of Monteverde, in southwest Rome.
Posts on his Facebook page showed he had previously visited the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain on his solo trip. He had been due to return on March 24.
In a written post, he said: ‘Arrived in Rome, trains planes, buses and foot… Accommodation is beautiful. This should be a good week… if I don’t get killed in some ungodly way…’
Emergency workers reported hearing cries coming from the rubble of the property and spent nearly an hour trying to free him before rushing him to hospital.
A witness told Rai television news: “I was stopped at the traffic lights at the intersection when I heard an explosion. It was like a bomb, a terrifying bomb.”
Another witness, who lives on the same street, compared the blast to a bomb going off as all her windows started to shake.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) previously said it was supporting Mr Paterson’s family and was in contact with the local authorities.
It has been contacted for further comment.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow…
