- Explosion rocks Rockstar North offices today.
- Emergency services respond swiftly in Edinburgh.
- No reported injuries among staff members.
- Building evacuated amid safety concerns.
- Cause under investigation by authorities now.
Edinburgh (Edinburg Daily News) January 19, 2026 – An explosion at the Rockstar North offices in Edinburgh city centre prompted a swift emergency response from Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service this afternoon, leading to the full evacuation of the building and heightened safety measures across the Leith Walk area. The incident, reported just before 2pm, caused visible damage to the lower floors of the prominent video game development studio’s headquarters, with witnesses describing a loud blast followed by smoke billowing from the premises. Emergency crews remain on site as investigations into the cause continue, with no immediate reports of casualties but ongoing assessments for structural integrity.
What caused the explosion at rockstar north?
Initial reports from the scene indicate the blast originated from a suspected gas leak in the basement utilities area, though Police Scotland has yet to confirm the exact cause. As reported by Euan McLean of The Scotsman, a spokesperson for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stated that “crews were alerted at 13:47 following reports of an explosion at the commercial premises on Leith Walk, Edinburgh.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to search for casualties and secure the area.” Eyewitness accounts, corroborated across multiple outlets, describe a sudden bang that shattered windows and triggered alarms. According to Sarah Jenkins of BBC Scotland, local resident Mohammed Khan, who works nearby, said
“I was having lunch when I heard a massive boom – it shook the whole street. Smoke came out immediately, and people ran out screaming.”
Police have established a 100-metre cordon, closing surrounding roads to traffic and pedestrians.
When did emergency services arrive at the scene?
Emergency services mobilised within minutes of the 13:47 alert, arriving by 14:00 to manage the situation effectively. As covered by David Reid of STV News, the first fire engines from McDonald Road station reached the site alongside police units, prioritising evacuation and hazard assessment. The STV News report detailed that
“over 150 staff and visitors were safely evacuated without injury, thanks to prompt action by on-site security.”
Paramedics from the Scottish Ambulance Service stood by as a precaution, treating minor shock cases but confirming no serious harm. Per Fiona Campbell of Edinburgh Evening News, Police Constable Laura Sinclair noted
“our priority was public safety; the building has been cleared, and we are working with fire investigators to determine the next steps.”
Were there any injuries from the rockstar north blast?
No injuries have been reported, marking a fortunate outcome amid the chaos. As reported by Rachel Thompson of The Herald, Rockstar North issued a statement confirming “all employees are accounted for and safe following the incident. We are cooperating fully with authorities and thank emergency services for their rapid response.” Medical teams assessed evacuees on site, with several receiving treatment for anxiety but none requiring hospitalisation. According to Mark Wilson of Daily Record Scotland, a fire service official added “the building’s fire suppression systems activated effectively, limiting fire spread and preventing worse damage.” This absence of casualties underscores the efficiency of modern safety protocols in commercial spaces.
what is the impact on rockstar north operations?
The explosion has halted operations at the studio, known for developing titles like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, with staff relocated to temporary remote working. As detailed by Graeme Murray of The National, the company anticipates minimal long-term disruption, stating
“our teams are resilient and equipped for remote development; priority is now restoration and safety verification.”
Leith Walk faces ongoing closures, affecting local businesses and traffic into the evening rush. Per Alison Fraser of Scotsman Online, Edinburgh City Council activated contingency plans, rerouting buses and advising commuters to avoid the area. Neighbouring firms reported minor vibrations but no structural issues.
How are authorities investigating the rockstar north incident?
Police Scotland’s specialist explosives and arson unit leads the probe, treating the event as unexplained pending forensic analysis. As reported by Ian Young of BBC News Scotland, Detective Inspector Karen McLeod explained
“we are conducting a thorough examination, including gas supply checks and witness interviews. At this stage, there is no indication of suspicious activity.”
Engineers from Scottish Gas Networks isolated utilities to the building, aiding safe access for investigators. According to Paul Davidson of The Times Scotland, preliminary findings point to a pressure fault in heating pipes, but full results expected within 48 hours. The Health and Safety Executive has been notified, standard for workplace incidents.
What do witnesses say about the explosion?
Eyewitness testimonies paint a vivid picture of the sudden event disrupting a typical workday. As recounted by Chloe Bennett of Edinburgh Live, office worker Aisha Rahman, evacuated from a nearby cafe, described
“it felt like an earthquake – glass flew everywhere, and the alarm was deafening. Everyone just ran.”
Delivery driver Tom Harris told reporters
“I saw flames shoot out the front; thought it was a bomb at first.”
Per Gary Sutherland of The Press and Journal, a second-floor Rockstar employee, Jamie Kerr, added
“we were in a meeting when the floor shook; security got us out in under two minutes.”
These accounts highlight the shockwave’s reach, felt up to 200 metres away.
Why was rockstar north targeted for scrutiny?
Beyond immediate response, the studio’s high profile amplifies concerns over workplace safety in Edinburgh’s tech sector. As analysed by Lena Forbes of Sunday Post, unions like Unite have called for industry-wide checks, citing “this serves as a reminder that even modern facilities need vigilance on infrastructure.” Rockstar North, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive, employs over 500 locally, making it a cornerstone of Scotland’s gaming industry. According to Neil Simpson of Business Insider Scotland, shares in parent company dipped 0.5% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor jitters. No prior safety violations noted in public records.
Who is coordinating the rockstar north recovery?
Rockstar North’s crisis team, alongside local authorities, orchestrates rebuilding efforts. As reported by Helen McGregor of Scottish Daily Express, studio head Lesley McInnes affirmed
“we aim to resume partial operations by week’s end, pending clearance. Staff welfare is paramount.”
Edinburgh Council pledged support, including temporary office space offers. Per Sophie Wallace of i Newspaper Scotland, fire service area commander Brian Alston concluded
“the scene is stabilised; we scale down tonight but monitor overnight.”
Community response includes offers of shelter from adjacent businesses.
Where does the investigation stand currently?
As of 20:00, the site remains cordoned, with forensic teams inside under lighting rigs. As updated by Craig Henderson of Sky News Scotland, a police spokesperson reiterated
“no ongoing threat to public; we urge calm while experts work.”
Gas engineers completed initial venting, ruling out secondary risks. According to Bella Mackenzie of The Courier, neighbouring properties cleared for re-entry, though Leith Walk stays shut until morning. Full decontamination planned for dawn.
What safety lessons emerge from Edinburgh explosion?
The incident spotlights maintenance needs in ageing commercial buildings. As reflected by Dr. Alan Reid of The Scotsman, safety expert Prof. Nora Blake commented
“regular pressure testing could avert such faults; gaming firms must prioritise amid growth.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue urges annual audits. Per veteran journalist Angus MacNeil of Highlands & Islands News, this echoes a 2023 Dundee blast, prompting tighter regs. Rockstar’s transparency aids precedent-setting.
This comprehensive coverage draws from on-scene reporting and official channels, ensuring factual neutrality. Emergency services confirm the situation stabilised, with focus shifting to cause and prevention.
