Large explosion in Shaw

Photo: GM Fire & Rescue

Emergency services attend the scene

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Update 1.55pm

People remain unaccounted for after a large explosion "completely flattened" a house in the Shaw area of Oldham, firefighters have said.

Greater Manchester Fire Service said a search was under way for people in four terraced houses damaged by the suspected gas blast in Buckley Street.

Update 1.30pm

It has been confirmed by North West Ambulance Service that one patient has been taken to Wythenshawe Hospital by helicopter with 80% burns.

A number of ambulances, including the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended the scene with the first crews arriving at 11.18 am.

Ambulance staff are remaining on scene to support Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service with the search for any other possible casualties and the Trust has called in additional help from the Merseyside HART team.

Update 11.50am

One man has been rescued following a possible gas explosion in Shaw in Oldham.

The Control room has received numerous calls from members of the public and the initial information from the public is that it involves a number of terraced properties with possibly people trapped.

Fire crews from Oldham, Chadderton, Hollins, Rochdale and Heywood along with the Urban Search and Rescue Team are currently dealing with the incident. 

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Emergency services are at the scene following a large explosion in the Shaw area of Oldham.

Shortly after 11.15am today, Tuesday 26 June 2012, police were called to Shaw following a report that homes had been seriously damaged in a large explosion.

Police, fire and ambulance services are at the scene and a cordon is being put in place.

At this stage there are no confirmed details on casualties or the number of homes damaged.