A tragic incident in Rome has claimed the life of Scottish tourist Grant Paterson, who was staying at a holiday home that was destroyed in a suspected gas explosion. Paterson, a 54-year-old man from East Kilbride, had suffered burns on 75% of his body as a result of the explosion that occurred on 23 March. His employer, ferry operator CalMac, expressed deep sadness at his passing, describing him as a “true gentleman” who was well-loved by his colleagues.
Paterson had recently arrived in Rome for his holiday when the building he was staying in collapsed. Diane Burke, CalMac’s Chief Operating Officer, paid tribute to him for his distinguished 12-year career with the company, highlighting his positive impact on both colleagues and passengers. The news of Paterson’s death also prompted a statement from the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, expressing condolences and a commitment to swiftly uncovering the cause of the tragic accident.
The mayor had already initiated an investigation into the incident, noting that the burns suffered by Paterson indicated an explosion likely caused by gas. The loud explosion not only led to the collapse of the building but also caused damage to the nearby Villa Pamphili. Prior to the incident, social media posts showed Paterson exploring popular landmarks around Rome, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Despite the tragic circumstances, a fundraiser set up by a friend of Paterson had raised over £12,000 to support him and his daughter. The Foreign Office confirmed that they are assisting the family of the British man who lost his life in Italy and are in contact with local authorities
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