Woman in her 70s seriously injured following ‘house explosion’ in Bury

A woman in her 70s has been seriously injured and a primary school evacuated after reports of a house explosion.

Emergency services were called to Nelson Street in the Fishpool area of Bury on 28 February after reports of the explosion.

Nearby St Luke's Primary School has been evacuated, while a 200 metre cordon has been put in place around the property and neighbouring homes.

The aftermath of the explosion was captured on a doorbell camera. (Pictures: Councillor Tamoor Tariq)

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said multiple crews are currently at the scene of an incident on Nelson Street, Bury, working alongside other emergency services.

Paula Lyons from GMFRS said 11 homes had been evacuated and crews are expected to work into the night and over the coming days to try to get people back into their homes.

People living in the area are being advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the scene while crews carry out their work.

The council says Gigg Lane and Nelson street are closed. Due to the amount of smoke residents are asked to keep their windows closed.

Local Councillor Tamoor Tariq says a local primary school has had to be evacuated too.

Phil Hendrick, Head of Customer Operations (North West), Cadent, said: "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.”