A huge emergency services response is in place in Wythenshawe this evening after a man was killed in an explosion.
Residents reported hearing a 'huge explosion' in Brownley Road, opposite Crossacres Metrolink stop, at around 6.30pm tonight. Images show a scene of destruction, with a large hole in the front of one of the houses in the street. Those living nearby have been evacuated.
A huge cordon is in place in the south Manchester suburb, with a large number of fire crews in attendance. It is believed the road will be shut off well into the night, with motorists and residents warned to avoid the area.
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A GMP spokesperson said a man was found dead inside the house. Several properties are without power and emergency services remain on scene this evening with road closures in place.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "We are currently attending 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."
In a tweet sent to the Manchester Evening News, one person said: "Fire in house on Brownley Rd #Wythenshawe police surrounding roads and closed to traffic and Metrolink."
Here is everything we know so far. Latest developments will be updated as and when they come in. GMFRS and Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for further information.
- Emergency services were called to Brownley Road at around 6.30pm tonight following reports of a serious incident. A large cordon has been in place since, with the road shut off between Crossacres Road and Mayfair Road
- Residents reported hearing a 'huge explosion' from the house at the centre of the fire crews investigations. A man has since sadly been pronounced dead.
A number of houses were evacuated and the scene made safe at about 8pm. Several properties are without power and emergency services remain on scene this evening with road closures in place.
- One man who was one of the first on the scene told the Manchester Evening News "there was an almighty bang - there was instantly loads of smoke, all the windows were blown out and the glass was all over the road." He says he tried to kick the door down to the house before fire crews arrived and '10 to 12 police cars'.
- Images show a huge number of fire crews at the scene. At least five units remain in attendance tonight (as of 8.45pm), with police and paramedics also in Wythenshawe. There are reports of between 20-30 firefighters at the scene.
Residents living nearby have been evacuated from their homes tonight. Some people will be allowed back in “within a few hours” but others will be given accommodation overnight. People are going to a church nearby to be offered somewhere warm.
- Fire crews seem to be focusing their attention on one property in the street. Photos show a huge hole in the upstairs of the house in question.
- Motorists have been told to avoid the area, with Stagecoach reporting bus diversions in place via Hollyhedge Road and Broadoak Road. Metrolink services have also been suspended.
