A tourist has tragically died in Rome, just days after being critically injured in a suspected gas explosion that destroyed his holiday B&B.
Grant Paterson, aged 54, from East Kilbride in Scotland, was caught in the blast on March 22, which brought down a three-storey building. Despite being conscious when pulled from the rubble by emergency services, the dad sustained severe burns covering 75% of his body.
He underwent skin grafts and emergency surgery to remove debris from his body last week, but sadly could not recover from his injuries and died at Sant'Eugenio Hospital.
It’s understood that his family, including his daughter, flew out to Rome to be by his side during his final days, Daily Record reports.
Heartbreaking tributes are being paid to Grant, who is being described as a "true gentleman". One friend 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."
Another added: "Grant was a lovely man, a true gentleman. I will miss our chats whilst I’m travelling. Our deepest condolences, thoughts are with his daughter, family and friends and work colleagues. Rest in Peace Grant, you will be truly missed."
Someone else shared their condolences, writing: "So sorry to hear that. RIP Grant."
Grant was a senior member of CalMac’s on-board catering team. Diane Burke, Chief Operating Officer at CalMac, expressed the company's deep sorrow, saying: "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. 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.”
Grant had arrived in Rome on St Patrick's Day, March 17, for a solo trip. In an eerie post shared on Facebook, he wrote: "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.... As it's just me I'm going to sit in a different bit every day."
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Photos from the scene showed the area taped off by police, and reports suggested that a gas leak or gas cylinder may have triggered the blast.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri confirmed that no other victims had been found, but Grant was severely injured. He stated: "The important thing is that fortunately there are no victims, although unfortunately one person was seriously injured. We don’t know his exact condition, but he suffered burns, and this also suggests that it was an explosion caused by gas, which also causes flames.
"There was a very loud explosion, a building collapsed and the wall of Villa Pamphilj was also damaged. We are carrying out surveys to evaluate and ascertain the regularity, as it currently appears, of the accommodation facility. For safety reasons, there are evacuations of the apartment buildings and buildings that may be at risk, and then there will be all the surveys."
A fundraiser which has been launched to support Grant's daughter has raised over £11,700 (€13,975), with the local community rallying around the family.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office has been contacted by Daily Record for further comment.
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