Drivers say they were stuck in 'hour-long queues' desperately trying to get out of the IKEA car park on Sunday afternoon, after the store was evacuated following a suspected gas leak nearby. Worried shoppers were told by staff, and over the tannoy, that they had to immediately leave the building as the alarms sounded.
It was later confirmed that the fire service had been called to nearby Oldham Road, which was blocked off, following reports of a gas leak. All nearby businesses, including the huge IKEA store, were evacuated, prompting what was described as 'chaos' on the roads and in car parks nearby.
Shoppers who had been in IKEA at the time of the evacuation told the Manchester Evening News that they had been stuck for up to an hour, with others confused as to what was going on. Drivers attempting to leave nearby Sainsbury's and M&S also had to wait for long periods of time due to the busy roads.
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One shopper, who was asked to leave by staff at around 3.30pm, said an hour later: "At first, it seemed like families and those with young children were asked to leave first. We were stood by some staff members who then told us everyone would have to evacuate.
"At around 3.30pm all the alarms started sounding and they opened up all the fire doors. We are still stuck in the car park now trying to get out. It is gridlocked and we don't really know what's going on."
Another dad, who had visited IKEA with his three children, said he 'may as well have turned the engine off' as cars were stuck in the car park. He said: "It came over the tannoy that everyone had to leave and get to the closest exit and then the alarms started going off.
"The car park is chaotic we may as well have the engine off as everyone is trying to drive out and there are hundreds of cars. We didn't know what was happening but it seemed like a major issue. I have three young children so for them hearing the alarms and people being panicked is scary for them. We all had to leave via the ground floor first and then made our way to our cars."
Many people took to social media to start tweeting about the incident on Sunday afternoon, as nearby roads began to become congested due to the road closure. Numerous fire engines were at the scene and local businesses were all told to evacuate as a precaution.
One person wrote: "We are sitting in the car park waiting to evacuate and all we can hear are fire alarms and emergency services sirens" as another posted: "Sat in Sainsbury’s car park and have been here over 40 minutes, haven’t actually moved."
IKEA announced it would remain closed for the duration of the day on Sunday. The fire service remained at the scene throughout the afternoon, with traffic and bus services diverted away from Oldham Road.
Gary Roberts, Deputy Market Manager, IKEA Manchester said, “The safety of our customers and co-workers is always highest priority for IKEA. We can confirm that IKEA Manchester was evacuated this afternoon after a gas leak was reported near to the store. The store will remain closed today and will re-open on Tuesday morning, owing to confirmation that it is safe to do so by local authorities. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 2.30pm this afternoon (Sunday 18 September) firefighters were called to reports of a gas leak on Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne.
"Firefighters from Oldham, Hollins, Stalybridge and Ashton fire stations arrived quickly at the scene. Crews have worked alongside emergency service colleagues to clear the area, including evacuating local businesses. Road closures are in place, and people are being asked to avoid the area so that we can continue to work quickly.”
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