Body of a woman found after house collapse in Bury
An investigation into the cause of the blast is underway.
The body of a woman has been found after a house collapsed in Ramsbottom.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to reports that a house had collapsed in Ramsbottom, Bury, just before 9.30pm on Wednesday.
A woman was pronounced dead at the scene and another woman and child were taken to hospital with minor injuries, the force said.
Five properties, in East View in Summerseat, were evacuated as a precaution and three people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
One GMFRS crew, alongside fire scene investigators, remains at the scene.
The firefighters, from Bury station, are monitoring the structure of the affected mid-terrace home and neighbouring properties in the immediate vicinity.
If emergency services deem it safe, firefighters will assist local residents back into their homes this lunchtime.
Where others need to remain out of the houses for the time being, firefighters will access homes to retrieve essential personal items including medication, mobile phones, bank cards and so forth.
Watch Manager Steve Wilcock, Incident Commander at the scene, said: "I want to first pass on my condolences to the family and friends of the woman who tragically lost her life at this incident - our thoughts are with them at what must be an incredibly sad and difficult time.
"Given the nature of this scene I must also praise the professionalism and dedication of the firefighters who have worked here all night in the driving rain, as well as throughout the morning. An investigation is now under way so it would not be appropriate to speculate at this time on a probable cause.
"It's also important to place on record our appreciation for the help and co-operation of local people. Summerseat is a close-knit community and there has been an outpouring of support, with many neighbours offering their homes to those evacuated from roughly 20 houses last night. I am proud to serve this community and GMFRS, GMP, Bury Council and other partner agencies will continue to work really hard today to do the best by local people without compromising the scene."
A joint investigation is being carried out by police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities in Bury.