Woman in hospital after explosion at a house in Bury
The nearby St Luke's Primary School has been evacuated
Last updated 28th Feb 2024
A woman has been taken to hospital following an explosion at a house in Bury.
Emergency services were called to Nelson Street earlier, and a 200m cordon has been put in place.
Police say residents will be made aware if they need to take any action.
It's understood the nearby St Luke’s primary has also evacuated children, due to its proximity to the incident.
Councillor Tamoor Tariq lives near the site of the explosion:
He posted on social media: "Heartbreaking to share there has been a gas explosion in the last few minutes right across from my house.
"I understand everyone has been taken into a place of safety and emergency services are doing all possible to deal with this awful situation.
"St Luke's primary have also evacuated children, as they are just yards away."
Cllr Tariq went on to update: "The house directly affected is in an extremely bad state following the explosion the house was destroyed with the strong flames from the fire. Both neighbouring properties have been damaged too.
"St Lukes Primary have taken the decision to close due to conditions in the school deteriorating where the fire has affected electricity going into the school".
Bury Football Club is offering shelter and brews to those affected:
The club said on social media: "For anyone seeking a place to be this afternoon following the incident close to Gigg Lane, the club is open to assist and offer a brew to those effected."
Gas company Cadent says it's too early to tell what caused the explosion:
Phil Hendrick, Head of Customer Operations (North West), Cadent, said: “My teams are in attendance at the incident in Bury. As the gas emergency service for the area, we are assisting the multi-agency response, as is routine in incidents like this.
"It is too early to say what caused this and we would ask people to avoid speculating. The priority right now is to keep everyone safe, which is why I would ask that people follow guidance offered by police and the fire and rescue service. We will make sure everything associated with gas on site is safe.
"If you smell gas, here or anywhere, always call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999* immediately, day or night.”
In a statement, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service says it has fire crews from across the region attending:
“Multiple fire engines from across Greater Manchester along with the technical response unit from Ashton fire station are currently in attendance at an incident involving terraced houses on Nelson Street in Bury.
“Firefighters are working alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service and residents are asked to avoid the area at this time.”