Could be weeks before houses safe to live in

Devastation caused by explosion in Shaw

It could be days, maybe weeks, before residents who live close to the explosion in Buckley Street, Shaw can safely return home.

GMP said: “It will be a few more days, maybe weeks, until the area is safe and until residents are allowed access to their homes again.

"Everyone who needs to sleep in the school hall [Crompton House] can do for as long as they need to."

Local families are showing their good-willed nature and community spirit by offering the newly-made homeless people shelter in their homes.

The owner of the house at the centre of the explosion also owns 'Taff’s Newsagents' and 'Taff’s Food' on Milnrow Road. He did not live in the house, he rented it out. ‘Taff’ and his family were present at the site all day today (26 June).

There is speculation that the cause of the explosion is a new boiler which had recently been fitted. However, a GMP spokeman said: “Officially, we do not know any more than it was a gas leak.”

Six children lived in the house which exploded. Five of the children were not present when the explosion occurred, however the sixth one was, and is suffering from 80% burns.

An ambulance spokesperson commented: "‘NWAS’ Hazardous Area Response Team remain on scene to support the search for further possible casualties."