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Man hurt in double gas explosion Man hurt in double gas explosion
(about 1 hour later)
A man is being treated in hospital for burns after two gas explosions at an old hospital site in south Manchester. A man is being treated in hospital for burns after two gas explosions at a former hospital in south Manchester.
The victim, thought to be aged about 40, suffered injuries to his face, hand and back in a blast at the former Withington Hospital. The victim, thought to be aged about 40, suffered injuries to his face, hand and back in a blast at the Withington Hospital site.
An hour later there was a second explosion, which is believed to have been caused by the first.An hour later there was a second explosion, which is believed to have been caused by the first.
The site has been evacuated and more buildings may be cleared by the emergency services.The site has been evacuated and more buildings may be cleared by the emergency services.
An investigation is under way into the cause of the blasts but it is thought a gas main may have been damaged during building work.An investigation is under way into the cause of the blasts but it is thought a gas main may have been damaged during building work.
'Like a bomb''Like a bomb'
One woman who works in a nearby building said: "We just heard a huge bang, a huge noise like a bomb going off - the whole building shook."One woman who works in a nearby building said: "We just heard a huge bang, a huge noise like a bomb going off - the whole building shook."
Specialist teams from Greater Manchester Fire Service are searching the area to ensure everyone is accounted for.Specialist teams from Greater Manchester Fire Service are searching the area to ensure everyone is accounted for.
Pete Stephenson, of the urban search and rescue team, said it would be sending in sniffer dogs to one building which had partially collapsed.Pete Stephenson, of the urban search and rescue team, said it would be sending in sniffer dogs to one building which had partially collapsed.
"If we have indications from the search dogs, we can carry on and use the specialist search equipment we have which is acoustic listening devices and specialist cameras," he said.
People described hearing a noise "like a bomb"People described hearing a noise "like a bomb"
"If we have indications from the search dogs, we can carry on and use the specialist search equipment we have which is acoustic listening devices and specialist cameras," he said.
Three buildings which are in use were evacuated, said a spokesman for the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (UHSM).Three buildings which are in use were evacuated, said a spokesman for the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (UHSM).
Most of the site, which is the old section of the hospital, is currently being turned into apartments.Most of the site, which is the old section of the hospital, is currently being turned into apartments.
A statement from the trust said Buccleugh Lodge, the Brian Hore Unit and the hospital Laundry Services building had been evacuated. A statement from the trust said Buccleugh Lodge, the Brian Hore Unit and the hospital laundry building had been evacuated.
"Withington Community Hospital and the Disablement Services Centre have not been evacuated at present. Police are monitoring the situation," said a spokesman. "All outpatient appointments have been cancelled for the rest of the afternoon," said a spokesman.
"All outpatient appointments have been cancelled for the rest of the afternoon.
"We expect services to resume as normal from tomorrow, but a decision on this will be made in conjunction with other emergency services.""We expect services to resume as normal from tomorrow, but a decision on this will be made in conjunction with other emergency services."
Schools evacuated Station evacuated
Nell Lane and Elisabeth Slinger Road are closed to traffic and motorists are advised to avoid the area.Nell Lane and Elisabeth Slinger Road are closed to traffic and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Greater Manchester Police said all of the emergency services had sent "substantial resources" to the scene.Greater Manchester Police said all of the emergency services had sent "substantial resources" to the scene.
The man was taken to the trust's A&E department and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. Emergency services were called to the scene
West Didsbury Police Station was also evacuated as a precaution, although officers have since returned to the building.
Ch Insp Mark Gibby said emergency services worked very hard to make the area safe.
"We appreciate there has been disruption to the lives of members of the public, however we had to put their safety first," he added.
"As a precaution, we are asking any homeowners still inside the police cordon to remain indoors and stay away from windows."
The injured man was taken to the trust's A&E department and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
The nearby Birches special school, Lancasterian school and Cavendish Road Primary School were evacuated.The nearby Birches special school, Lancasterian school and Cavendish Road Primary School were evacuated.
Manchester City Council said all pupils were being sent home as a precautionary measure.Manchester City Council said all pupils were being sent home as a precautionary measure.