A street filled with smoke as 'panicked' residents fled their homes after a huge fire ripped through a house in Oldham on Saturday afternoon (June 24).
The disastrous blaze killed a 42-year-old woman and left a teenage girl, aged 15, fighting for her life in hospital with critical injuries.
As the fire quickly took hold of the terraced house, leaving the upstairs windows shattered, the front door 'melting' and plumes of black smoke billowing overhead, fire crews blocked off the street and evacuated devastated residents.
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A scene remained in place overnight on Saint Thomas Street North, in Werneth, as fire crews spent hours putting out the blaze. Pictures from the scene revealed the extent of the damage, with attics exposed and homes left charred.
Residents were immediately evacuated, with many forced to stay with friends and family and others offered alternative accommodation in nearby hotels. In the chaos of the evacuation, people had no time to grab their belongings.
Those living in the nearby vicinity have been told it is unlikely they will be able to return home for a week or longer as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
One family, who live two doors down from the fire, spoke to the Manchester Evening News about the ordeal. They had to flee with just the clothes on their back and have learnt their attic bedroom has been scorched as a result of the fire.
"We were upstairs and there was a lot of smoke but we didn't think it was anything serious at first," they said. "We saw two guys running down the alleyway and try to get into the house. We instantly knew it wasn't normal.
"We came out and saw all the smoke. The door was melting and the windows had exploded out.
"Everyone was running into the street because we are all a very close community round here. Within minutes the fire brigade came and we got moved further and further back. We haven't been allowed back inside since.
"It was frantic and everybody was panicking. We just can't believe what has happened. It's devastating. Everyone knew her and the family, so it's heartbreaking."
Dramatic pictures from the scene showed how the blaze had ripped through a number of adjoining houses, causing significant damage. One resident said his bedroom had 'fully gone'.
"Neighbours were worried about people getting out and didn't know about how many people could've been inside or trapped," he said.
"My room has fully gone, I can't believe it. I haven't been able to see the damage yet, we had to go straight to a hotel. We have just had to go to Primark to buy new clothes.
"We had family pictures, trophies and certificates in that room. We have been told we may not be able to go back home for a week."
Emergency services raced to the scene at around 4.10pm on Saturday afternoon (June 24) following reports of a house fire. A 42-year-old woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, with a teenage girl rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Throughout Sunday, the road remained blocked off amid ongoing enquiries. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed aerial inspections of the area and surrounding properties would be carried out before investigations into the cause of the fire would take place.
One woman, whose house backs onto the street, said she smelt the smoke coming in through her upstairs windows before running out and being met with the chaotic scenes.
"I could smell the smoke coming in, I came downstairs to check it wasn't my house. Then when I ran out there were people everywhere and there was thick black smoke. I was coughing and could barely breathe or see anything," she said.
"It's such a shock when something like this happens right on your doorstep. My friend is a neighbour who has been affected and staying with her grandma. They all just can't believe it has happened."
Pictures from the scene on Sunday (June 25) show a number of emergency service vehicles still in attendance with the residential street completely blocked off.
Forensics and fire investigation units were at the scene and are likely to remain there for a number of days. Greater Manchester Police are working with the fire service to establish how the fire started.
Chief Inspector Robert MacGregor said: “On behalf of GMP, I send condolences to the loved ones of the woman who has sadly died. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and they will be kept updated.
“A number of residents remain displaced from their homes but have been provided with alternative accommodation by Oldham Council. We are working with partner agencies to get them back into their homes as safely and soon as possible.”
Group Manager for Bolton and Wigan Jean-Pierre Helliwell, officer in charge of the incident, added: “The thoughts and deepest condolences of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are with the family, friends and loved ones. We’re incredibly saddened by the news.
“I’d also like to thank Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and our other partner agencies for their continued help.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting 2564 of 24/06/2023 or gmp.police.uk. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
