A serious explosion has occurred in Athlone town centre this afternoon.
Local radio station Midlands 103, quoting gardaí, said the explosion is thought to be due to a gas leak.
The incident occurred on Castlemaine Street in the Irishtown area of the town at about 3pm.
Two premises - one of which is believed to be a pub and the other an auctioneers - are on fire. Five fire units and gardaí are at the scene.
A spokesman for the Fire Brigade told The Irish Times it was a "fairly substantial fire."
The blaze is believed to have started in a three-storey building after gas cylinders stored in the basement caught fire.
Castlemaine Street is currently closed and motorists have been asked to avoid the area.
Traffic diversions are currently in place at the Crescent Junction, Supermacs, the Dunnes Stores roundabout in Irishtown and Northgate Street.
There are no reports of any injuries.
People who wish to access the town are advised that the three main car parks at Fairgreen, Newtown Centre and Golden Island are still open and are only a short walk from the shops.