'GAS' HORROR Bury explosion: Kids flee primary school yards away from ‘gas’ blast as woman hospitalised and flames tower into air
KIDS have fled a primary school just yards from a suspected gas explosion as footage shows flames towering into the air.
A terraced house was flattened and woman in her 70s hospitalised following this morning's blast in Bury, Greater Manchester.
Harrowing footage shows flames ripping through an address on Nelson Street, in the Fishpool area, following the 11am horror.
Smoke was seen billowing across nearby streets as kids at St Luke's Primary school, just 300 yards from the explosion, ran for cover.
Parents were told their little ones had been evacuated and the school has now closed for the day after the blast damaged its electricity supply.
Two neighbouring properties were also left with significant damage after the blast wiped out parts of their walls and roofs.
A 200 metre cordon is also place and "multiple" emergency service vehicles, including specialist rescue units, are at the scene.
Engineers from gas distribution company Cadent said it was "too early" to say what caused the blast.
Councillor Tamoor Tariq, who represents Redvales Ward but is not in the country, said the "heartbreaking" explosion took place right across from his house.
He added: "St Luke's primary have also evacuated children, as they are just yards away."
Greater Manchester Police said: "Emergency services are currently responding to reports of an explosion at a property on Nelson Street in the Fishpool area of Bury.
"At this stage, a woman in her 70s has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.
"A 200m cordon is in place around the property and neighbouring homes.
"Local residents and the community will be informed if they need to take any further action."
A fire brigade spokesperson said: "Multiple fire engines from across Greater Manchester along with the technical response unit from Ashton fire station are currently in attendance at an incident involving terraced houses on Nelson Street in Bury.
"Firefighters are working alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service and residents are asked to avoid the area at this time."
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