A man has died following a suspected explosion in Dublin city centre.
Residents were evacuated and a cordon put in place after the incident at a homeless shelter on Little Britain Street in Dublin 7.
It is an area just off the main thoroughfare of Capel Street.
The alarm was raised shortly after 3:30pm following reports of an explosion inside the property.
Emergency services at the scene on Little Britain Street in Dublin. Image: Emily Keegan/NewstalkFive fire engines were sent to the scene along with a District Officer.
The assistance of ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland and An Garda Síochána was also requested.
Gardaí have said one man sustained fatal injuries, and there are no reports of any other injuries.
The precise cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, and the Garda Technical Bureau is to examine the scene.
Emergency services at the scene on Little Britain Street in Dublin. Image: Emily Keegan/NewstalkHomeless charity Depaul, which runs the shelter, confirmed "an incident" happened this afternoon.
"It was a localised incident confined to one room," it said in a statement.
"All service users will be evacuated from the building tonight and alternative placements will be found.
"Depaul are working with the DRHE and our NGO partners to ensure no person will be left without accommodation this evening," it added.
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive said: "All residents are being evacuated on a temporary basis to allow for a full assessment.
"Our priority is to safely re-accommodate all residents tonight," it added.
'A big cloud of smoke'
Wayne was in the homeless hostel when the explosion happened and said there was smoke everywhere.
"Just a big bang and I just saw a big cloud of smoke," he said.
"The whole roof just came on, and there was a big panic.
"They just told us all to run out the exit doors.
"When we was walking out, me and my girlfriend we looked up and saw a big cloud of smoke around the roof," he added.
Local traffic diversions are in place.
