A boat caught fire on a section of the Rochdale Canal in Miles Platting this evening.
Two fire crews tackled the blaze, which was first reported at around 8pm.
A technical response unit was also in attendance, a spokesperson for the fire service told the Manchester Evening News .
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Witnesses reported hearing a ‘huge blast’ and seeing ‘thick dark smoke’ shortly after 8pm, around Holland Street.
“The sound was one huge blast that could easily be heard from a few miles,” one resident said.
“It was loud, a very loud blast though.”
Now, a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) spokesperson has confirmed more details of the incident.
“At 8:03pm on Wednesday March 3, 2022, two fire engines from Manchester Central and Philips Park fire stations and a technical response unit responded to a boat on fire on the Rochdale Canal near Holland Street, Miles Platting,” a statement said.
“Crews are currently in attendance and firefighters are using two hose reels to tackle the fire.”
Photos from the scene show a large emergency service presence.
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