Manchester explosion: a man is killed, residents are evacuated.
Residents living nearby have been evacuated from their homes tonight. While some people will be allowed to return within a few hours, others will be given overnight accommodations. Meanwhile, residents take shelter in a nearby church to keep warm.
Greater Manchester Police said: “Emergency services have been to Wythenshawe tonight where a man has sadly died following a suspected gas explosion.
“The scene has been secured but there are road closures and we will be on the scene tonight.”
In a statement, the force added: “At around 6.30 pm today (March 31), crews were called in to report a domestic property fire on Brownley Road in Manchester.
“Four fire engines from Bolton North, Cheadle, Wythenshawe and Stockport stations, and the Ashton Technical Rescue Unit attended.
“Firefighters have assessed the scene and are using breathing apparatus and hose reels to control the fire and make the scene safe.
“Teams are working with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service and are currently still on scene.”
Footage from the scene shows a severely damaged property with a large hole in the upstairs wall.
There are a lot of police and a lot of smoke has also been seen coming off the property.
A witness told the Manchester Evening News (MEN): “There was a big bang – instantly there was a lot of smoke, all the windows were blown out and glass was all over the road.”
A reporter at the scene said: “Fire crews are outside a property within the cordon.
“A person who lives behind said they heard a ‘big bang’ and went outside to see what the commotion was.”
Four fire engines, including 20 to 30 firefighters, a welfare unit, and a tactical response unit are all on the scene.
Brownley Road in Wythenshawe has been cordoned off and vehicles have been rerouted.
In the meantime, local residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said: “We are currently witnessing an incident on Brownley Road in Manchester.
“Road closures are in place.
“Please keep your doors and windows closed if you are in the area.”
The Inrix travel service said: “Brownley Road in both directions closed due to a police incident between Crossacres Road and Mayfair Road. Traffic is working fine.”
“The road is closed from 18:50.
“Metrolink services are also suspended as a result.”
Stagecoach also confirmed that it had to reroute services in the area, tweeting: “Route 43. Due to a police incident on Brownley Rd in Wythenshawe, Service 43 is being rerouted in both directions via Hollyhedge Rd and Broadoak Rd (Route 103 ).
“Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause”.