Five hurt in house explosion in Blackley – BBC News
Two people have been taken to hospital following a suspected gas explosion at a house in north Manchester.
The blast was in an end terrace house in Cecil Road, Blackley, at about 12:40 GMT, and reduced much of the property to rubble.
A man with “major trauma” injuries was taken to Salford Royal Hospital and another person was taken to Wythenshawe hospital.
Three people were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The precise cause of the blast is not yet known but is being treated as gas-related, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said.
A “small number” of people living in nearby homes have been advised to leave the area until further notice, a spokesman said.
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Crews are using sniffer dogs to assess the scene and make sure no one is trapped.
An aerial unit from Stretford was also going to the street.
Image copyright GMFRS Incident commander Merl Forrer said: “We are currently shoring up the property and using dogs to search the scene to ensure nobody is trapped inside.
“The building is partially collapsed and we are working to determine a cause. The road the property is on is currently closed and we advise people to avoid the area if possible.”
Officers from Greater Manchester Police are also in attendance.
Image copyright GMFRS 
Image copyright GMFRS 
Image copyright GMFRS 
Image copyright GMFRS Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-38634055