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Homes evacuated after Radcliffe explosion | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
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. |
Fire crews worked with National Grid to safely isolate the gas pipe. | |
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 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. | |
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. | |
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." | |
A number of gas cylinders were also removed from the site by fire crews. | |
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. |
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. | 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. |
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