Bury explosion: Kids flee school after ‘gas’ blast just ‘yards away’ as woman hospitalised

A WOMAN is in hospital with serious injuries after a suspected gas blast near a primary school.

Hundreds of kids are reported to have been taken to safety following the explosion in Bury, Greater Manchester, this morning.

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The incident is said to have "involved terraced houses" in the Fishpool area and a 200 metre cordon is in place, MEN reports.

The extent of the damage caused by the blast remains unclear but "multiple" emergency service vehicles, including fire engines, are at the scene on Nelson Street.

Video from the scene shows smoke rising into the sky as dozens of emergency responders deal with the incident.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, who represents Redvales Ward, says the "awful" incident took place near to St Luke's primary school.

Mr Tariq, currently out of the country, added: "Heartbreaking to share there has been a gas explosion in the last few minutes right across from my house.

"St Luke's primary have also evacuated children, as they are just yards away."

Engineers from as distribution company Cadent are at the scene, the company confirmed.

Greater Manchester Police said: "Emergency services are currently responding to reports of an explosion at a property on Nelson Street in the Fishpool area of Bury.

"At this stage, a woman in her 70s has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"A 200m cordon is in place around the property and neighbouring homes.

"Local residents and the community will be informed if they need to take any further action."

A fire brigade spokesperson said: "Multiple fire engines from across Greater Manchester along with the technical response unit from Ashton fire station are currently in attendance at an incident involving terraced houses on Nelson Street in Bury.

"Firefighters are working alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service and residents are asked to avoid the area at this time."