Man in critical condition after College Bank fire

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Mardyke

A 57-year-old man is in a critical condition with serious burns following a fire at Mardyke, College Bank Way, Rochdale, during the early hours of Monday morning (9 September).

Ten fire engines from across Greater Manchester attended the 1am incident, along with several special appliances.

Seven residents were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two jets to tackle the fire, and the North West Ambulance Service sent a Hazardous Area Response Team, advanced paramedic, an ambulance, Rapid Response Vehicle and an operational commander.

One pump remains at the scene monitoring the situation as well as a fire investigation officer. A scene is in places as police continue their enquiries.

Group Manager Bury, Oldham and Rochdale Val Hussain said: “Crews were called to the scene of a fire on the fifth floor of a high-rise premises. They worked exceptionally hard dealing with the significant fire, putting out the fire and carrying out rescues very quickly.

“The fire was contained to the bedroom of the flat, with no external fire spread. The fire was out at 5.50am but one fire crew remains at the scene to continue monitoring.”

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed a 42-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They remain in custody for questioning.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, which owns a number of the College Bank flats, said: “Thank you to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and GMP Rochdale for their prompt and professional response to last night’s fire in the Mardyke block at College Bank, as well as RBH colleagues who attended.

“Our teams are there to provide any support that residents need, and our thoughts are with those who were taken to hospital.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8441, quoting incident number 0135 of 09/9/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.