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Homes evacuated after explosion Homes evacuated after Radcliffe explosion
(about 2 hours later)
About 100 homes have been evacuated after an explosion at an industrial building in the Radcliffe area of Greater Manchester. About 100 homes were evacuated after an explosion at an industrial building in the Radcliffe area of Greater Manchester.
An explosion was heard when a gas main ignited in a fire in Schofield Street on Thursday night.An explosion was heard when a gas main ignited in a fire in Schofield Street on Thursday night.
The gas remains alight and the fire service is in discussion with National Grid to safely shut off the supply. Fire crews worked with National Grid to safely isolate the gas pipe.
The blast is said to have caused minor damage to the building and thrown debris up to 5m (16ft) away. The blast is said to have caused minor damage to the building. One resident described it as a "massive explosion... just like a film".
Ten fire engines were sent to the scene after Greater Manchester fire service was called at 21:46 BST on Thursday.Ten fire engines were sent to the scene after Greater Manchester fire service was called at 21:46 BST on Thursday.
The building on fire is said to measure approximately 120m (394ft) by 80m (262ft). The fire was in a building measuring approximately 120m (394ft) by 80m (262ft) and was brought under control in the early hours of Friday. Crews were damping down overnight.
'Billowing smoke' A spokesman for Greater Manchester fire service said they were working with the police and council workers to get the evacuated residents back home as quickly as possible.
A number of gas cylinders have been removed from the site by fire crews. Hannah Ross, one of those evacuated from flats close to the fire, said: "I was at home with my boyfriend when we heard all these bangs going off like fireworks.
"We looked out at the factory behind the flats and saw a massive fire - it was biggest fire I've ever seen, covering the whole factory.
"We went downstairs and outside. People were talking about their cars getting hot because of the fire."
She said they were asked to leave the building by police.
"Later there was a massive explosion - and everyone jumped, just like a film," said Ms Ross.
'Weird, chemical smell'
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said there were no reports of anyone missing or injured.A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said there were no reports of anyone missing or injured.
He said: "There was a small explosion, enough to cause some damage to the building. He said: "There was a small explosion, enough to cause some damage to the building."
"As a precaution we've evacuated approximately 100 houses." A number of gas cylinders were also removed from the site by fire crews.
He said it was expected that crews would be at the scene throughout the night.
Eyewitness Simon Conway said: "I was out the back when I caught a weird, chemical smell. Then I saw smoke billowing out over the area.Eyewitness Simon Conway said: "I was out the back when I caught a weird, chemical smell. Then I saw smoke billowing out over the area.
"I went round the corner and I saw the fire apparently down Bury Road not far from Spring Lane. It looked like it was an old factory on fire.""I went round the corner and I saw the fire apparently down Bury Road not far from Spring Lane. It looked like it was an old factory on fire."
Are you in the area? Did you witness the explosion? Have you been evacuated? You can send us your experiences using the form below.Are you in the area? Did you witness the explosion? Have you been evacuated? You can send us your experiences using the form below.
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