Fire officers, gas workers and police are continuing to work at the scene of a devastating gas explosion in Wythenshawe this morning after a man was killed.
The horrifying incident happened in a house on Brownley Road at around 6.30pm last night (Thursday). The man - whose age has not yet been confirmed - was tragically found dead inside after a 'huge' explosion.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the explosion was caused by gas. Cadent said last night that it was 'too early' to determine the cause, but that engineers would be working at the scene overnight.
Follow live updates on this incident here
As the incident unfolded last night, a large cordon was put in place on the road as smoke billowed from the house. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a 'huge' bang which 'shook their houses like an earthquake' as the house exploded.
The Manchester Evening News understands that a major incident was declared, but that it was stood down after a short time. Around five houses, which were closest to where the incident happened, had their gas supply switched off.
A number of other houses on the road were evacuated as a precaution. They were given temporary accommodation overnight.
Today, a large number of emergency service workers and vehicles remain at the scene. Throughout the morning, more fire service vehicles have arrived and fire officers have been spotted going in and out of the property.
A small cordon has been put in place on the pavement outside the front of the house as forensic officers and gas workers also carry out investigations.
Pictures taken at the scene this morning show the devastation caused to the front of the house where the explosion happened. All three windows at the front of the house have been smashed, as well as the front door. Parts of the house appear to have been left charred by the smoke.
One resident told the M.E.N that they were let back inside their house at around 12am this morning. He said everyone on the road heard a loud explosion last night. “It’s just a shock you don’t expect it,” he said.
Last night, another resident said: "I was sat inside the house and heard a huge bang. There are a lot of accidents on here so at first, I thought there had a been a car crash outside but couldn't see anything from the window." He went on: "Within minutes, we had a knock on the door telling us we had to leave immediately. As I came out, I saw the huge clouds of smoke coming from the window."
Below are the latest statements from Greater Manchester Police, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Cadent gas, which were all issued last night:
Greater Manchester Police
A spokesperson said: "Emergency services attended Brownley Road, Manchester, at about 6:30pm tonight (31 March 2022) after reports of a gas explosion. Sadly, a man was located deceased inside a property.
"A number of houses were evacuated and the scene made safe at about 8pm. Several properties are without power and emergency services remain on scene this evening with road closures in place. Investigations are ongoing and officers are supporting the deceased man's family."
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
A spokesperson said: "At around 6.30pm today (31 March), crews were called to reports of a fire at a domestic property on Brownley Road in Manchester. Four fire engines from Bolton North, Cheadle, Wythenshawe and Stockport stations, and the Technical Rescue Unit from Ashton attended.
"Firefighters assessed the scene and are using breathing apparatus and hose reels to control the fire and make the scene safe. Crews are working with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service and are currently still on the scene."
Cadent gas
A spokesperson said: "The thoughts of everyone at Cadent are with those affected by the incident in Brownley Road, Wythenshawe on Thursday evening. It is too early to speculate on the cause of the explosion and our engineers remain on site to assist with the investigation.’
