Gas explosion causes huge blaze at Greater Manchester factory
29 August 2012
More than 100 homes were evacuated after a gas explosion sparked a fire at a disused unit in an industrial complex on Bury Road, Radcliffe, on August 23. Around 70 firefighters tackled the blaze, 100 homes were evacuated and families spent two nights at a community centre.
After the fire was extinguished, Bury council said all households affected had returned home and businesses closed were due to reopen on August 26.
Several buildings on the site have been demolished after building inspectors said they were unsafe.
During the early stages of the fire, there was a small explosion when a large gas pipe broke, creating a gas flare and causing a building collapse. An investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.