Bury 'gas explosion': All we know so far as house destroyed
28.02.2024 - 14:15
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A woman aged in her 70s was fighting for life in hospital today after a reported explosion at a terraced house in Bury.
Police said she was taken to hospital from the scene in the Fishpool area of the town with injuries described as serious. The Manchester Evening News understands there have been no reports of any further injuries.
Follow live updates from the scene here.
A neighbouring primary school, St Luke's CE, closed early for the day as a result, with a councillor who lives nearby saying the incident had affected its electricity supply and all parents were informed.
Councillor Tamoor Tariq, who represents the Redvales ward, reported a 'gas explosion' and said one terraced house on Nelson Street had been 'destroyed', with the adjoining terraced houses either side left 'badly damaged'.
But gas distribution company Cadent, which has sent engineers to the scene, said it was too soon to determine what caused the apparent blast.
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Pictures taken from the scene by witnesses showed flames pouring out from the front of the property. The fire service said it sent 'multiple' engines to the scene together with specialist rescue units. Subsequent photographs showed the extent of the damage caused, with the front of the house totally exposed and the roof destroyed.
Firefighters remained at the scene on Wednesday afternoon, showering water onto the houses with jets.
Police confirmed a 200-metre cordon was in place and Councillor Tariq said residents affected were sheltering with friends and family. The scene is near to Bury FC's Gigg Lane ground, and the club said it was opening its doors to anyone needing a hot drink or shelter.
In a statement, GMP said: