Two people have been taken to hospital after a building partially collapsed on a street in Greater Manchester.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene shortly after midday today following reports that a terraced building on King Street, in Oldham, had fallen down.
Three people were injured during the collapse with two of them being treated at hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
It has been reported that five people were inside the building at the time and all managed to escape.
Greater Manchester Police have urged people to stay away from the area while nearby roads have been closed off.
The Manchester Evening News has reported that police and the fire service are investigating a possible gas leak which could be the cause of today’s incident.
And nearby businesses have been evacuated and warned to switch off their gas.
Meanwhile, the Manchester Metrolink is part suspended with trams between Freehold and Rochdale Town Centre affected.
Local businessman, Kwok Wong, who owns Ree Ming Chippy in Royton, told the BBC he arrived in the town centre to find the building had collapsed.
‘All the emergencies were there already when I arrived,’ Mr Wong said.
‘But the building was a mess. Air ambulances landed on top on Mecca Bingo roof.’
Another witness said she thought the town was being ‘bombed’ as the building collapses.
The unnamed college student who was in a nearby fast food restaurant said: ‘There was a rumble and then a massive crash. Someone just shouted ‘run’ and they got out.’
‘I’ve never heard anything like that in my life. I thought we were being bombed.’
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: ‘We are currently responding to a partial building collapse on King Street, Oldham.
‘Officers are on scene with other emergency services working together to ensure the safety of the public
‘Five people have injuries at this time that are not deemed to be life-threatening or life-changing and searches are continuing.
‘A number of road closures are in place and we would ask people avoid the area where possible.’
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: ‘At around 12.40pm this afternoon, three fire engines from across Greater Manchester were called to an incident involving a partially collapsed building on King Street, Oldham.
‘Firefighters are working alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service to make the area safe. Five people evacuated themselves from the building before fire service arrival. Crews remain in attendance at this time.’
In a statement, the North West Ambulance Service said: ‘We are currently responding to a partially collapsed building on King Street, Oldham.
‘Following an emergency call at 12.30, multiple resources have attended the scene, including our Hazardous Area Response Team, air ambulance, doctors, advanced clinicians and operational commanders.
‘Five patients have been assessed so far, with two of those taken to the hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.’
