10 injured in Ashton house blast
An explosion has destroyed a house and left occupants injured
At least 10 people have been injured, three seriously by an explosion in a house in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was called to a terraced property in Curzon Street just after 5am.
The explosion demolished the house at both the front and back. The gas and electricity supplies were turned off at the house and four neighbouring properties.
Station commander Alan Ashworth said they were called to reports of a house fire, but while en route to the incident it was revealed there was an explosion.
It is understood neighbours came to the aid of those trapped in the property and that a number of those injured were rescuers trying to help.
He said: It is fantastic that people at five o'clock in the morning - that people have come to help,'' he added.
But that has increased the number of casualties which has presented a further issue for the ambulance service and hospital.''
Curzon Road, Whiteacre Road and Clinton Street are all closed and people are asked to avoid the area if possible.