Gardai are continuing their search for a man in his 50's following a gas explosion in Killarney earlier.

Several people suffered minor injuries during the incident in a local laundry on Brewery Lane in the centre of the town.

The blast happened at around 6.20 this morning causing much of the building to collapse and shattering windows in neighbouring properties.

The blast site is siutated beside two busy hotels, the International and the Ross.

Both hotels were among the homes and businesses evacuated after the explosion shook the town centre.

Several streets were closed for a time and motorists were advised to avoid the area.

Seargent Dermot O' Connell says certain traffic restrictions will remain in place: