Nine people were injured today by a gas explosion that destroyed a row of homes and left firefighters battling to establish if anyone was trapped in the rubble.
The blast tore through the terraced properties in Irlam, Salford, Greater Manchester, shortly before 7.15am, spraying passers-by with flying glass. Residents in Merlin Road reported waking up to a massive “booming noise”.
A North West Ambulance spokesman said one woman in her 70s was in a critical condition after being rushed to Wythenshawe Hospital with 30 per cent burns. Two adults and three children were taken to Salford’s Hope Hospital with minor injuries.
Three other people were treated at the scene for minor wounds - two were hit by flying glass and debris and one man was injured when his ceiling collapsed.
“The only serious injury is the elderly lady and we have no information about people possibly unaccounted for,” said the spokesman.
This afternoon the City West Housing Trust confirmed “major works” were being done on the house at the centre of the explosion. “This included work to the kitchen of the property that appears to be involved in the explosion,” the trust said.
Salford City Council said it had opened an emergency centre for families evacuated from their homes.
PA