This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18594635#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Oldham explosion: House 'completely flattened' | |
(40 minutes later) | |
People remain unaccounted for after a large explosion "completely flattened" a house in the Shaw area of Oldham, firefighters have said. | |
Greater Manchester Fire Service said a search was under way for people in four terraced houses damaged by the blast in Buckley Street. | |
One person has been taken to hospital with 80% burns. | |
Greater Manchester Police said the suspected gas explosion happened shortly after 11:15 BST. | |
A fire service helicopter with listening equipment is at the scene trying to detect if people are trapped in the rubble. | |
North West Ambulance Service said the burns victim had been taken to Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester. | |
'Loudest bang' | 'Loudest bang' |
Shaw ward councillor Mark Alcock, who lives a quarter of a mile away, described the scene as "utter carnage". | |
"An end terrace house has been completely flattened and properties up to 800m away have had their windows blown in," he said. | "An end terrace house has been completely flattened and properties up to 800m away have had their windows blown in," he said. |
"It's a real mess… we understand there are people trapped in other properties," he added. | "It's a real mess… we understand there are people trapped in other properties," he added. |
Peter Travis, who works nearby, said: "I heard the loudest bang you could ever hear, then I could see bits of slate going through the air like ticker tape. | Peter Travis, who works nearby, said: "I heard the loudest bang you could ever hear, then I could see bits of slate going through the air like ticker tape. |
"Bits of slate were landing near us about 250 metres away. | "Bits of slate were landing near us about 250 metres away. |
"I could then hear alarms going off and then a silence, it was absolutely frightening." | "I could then hear alarms going off and then a silence, it was absolutely frightening." |
Other residents half a mile away reported their homes were shaken by the explosion. | |
Are you in the area? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below. | |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | |
Read the terms and conditions |