MEN understands a 15-year-old girl is in critical condition in hospital following a house fire in Oldham which claimed the life of a 42-year-old woman.
Emergency services were called to Saint Thomas Street North in Werneth at around 4.10pm on Saturday afternoon (June 24) following reports of a fire. The 42-year-old woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Nearby residents were evacuated from their homes as crews responded to the incident. The surrounding roads remain closed and residents have not been able to go back to their homes yet as emergency workers remain at the address.
Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link
Crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are due to carry out a fire investigation and aerial inspections of the area and surrounding properties before it will be decided when residents are able to return.
In a statement issued last night, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, Jean-Pierre Helliwell, said: "The thoughts and deepest condolences of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are with the family, friends and loved ones. We're incredibly saddened by the news.
"Our crews remain at the scene at this time. I'd also like to thank Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and our other partner agencies for their continued help."
Neighbours previously spoke to the MEN after the fire spread on the residential street. "It had spread along the houses, we were just trying to get people out," said one neighbour, who was one of the first on the scene, adding that a neighbour 'bust' the back door down. "The firefighters were telling everyone to move back as people were just filming."
Another neighbour said he called the emergency services when he heard someone down the road from the house shout for help. He said: "The door was open and we saw smoke all over."
