A suspected gas explosion near St Luke’s Primary School in Bury has left a 70-year-old woman seriously injured and caused chaos in the area.

Emergency services were called to Nelson Street in Fishpool following reports of an explosion at a property. The blast occurred just yards away from the primary school, prompting the evacuation of students and staff.

The injured woman was swiftly transported to the hospital, while a police cordon was established around the affected property and neighbouring houses. Footage from the scene depicted the terraced property engulfed in flames, with shocked locals watching as firefighters battled the blaze.

Multiple ambulances and fire engines, totalling around three ambulances and six fire engines, rushed to the scene to tackle the fire. As a safety precaution, Devon Street, Gigg Lane, and Nelson Street were closed off to the public.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating that emergency services were diligently working to manage the situation and ensure the safety of residents. St Luke’s Primary School promptly evacuated children to safety, given its proximity to the site of the explosion.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a 200-meter cordon was established around the property, urging residents to avoid the area. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service advised residents to steer clear of the vicinity as firefighters, police, and ambulance services coordinated their efforts.

The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, with authorities working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.