A man remains in critical condition in hospital following a devastating explosion at a residential property in Manchester on the morning of the incident.
Emergency services responded to a blast on Ash Street in Harpurhey at approximately 10:20 BST. Fire crews and police personnel have maintained a presence at the scene as they work to secure the area and establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the injured man had been transported to hospital where he continues to receive treatment for life-threatening injuries. A second person, a woman, was also hurt in the blast and received medical attention for injuries that officers believe to be minor in severity.
Authorities have implemented significant precautions in response to the incident. Neighbouring properties adjacent to the explosion site are being evacuated as a safety measure, and both Ash Street and Rochdale Road have been closed to traffic. Police have advised members of the public to stay away from the area while emergency operations continue.
Phil Hendrick, head of operational delivery for the North West at Cadent, stated that determining the cause of the explosion remains premature at this stage.
We are onsite in Ash Street assisting fire and other emergency services, which is routine for an incident of this nature, he explained. Cadent personnel have been deployed to the location to work alongside firefighters and other emergency responders, a standard procedure following such incidents.
Regarding the potential involvement of gas infrastructure, Hendrick provided reassurance about initial findings.
Our job in an incident like this is to ensure everything associated with gas is safe, he said. He further noted that
although it is too early to confirm a cause, there is nothing at this stage to suggest any issues with the local gas network.
This incident follows a suspected gas explosion in Newton Longville near Milton Keynes on 13 August 2026, which resulted in a fatality four days after the initial blast destroyed a bungalow, demonstrating the serious risks posed by such emergencies.
What happens next?
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service personnel remain deployed at the scene to ensure the property and surrounding area are rendered safe for the public. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are expected to continue as emergency services gather evidence and conduct assessments of the structural integrity of the affected building and neighbouring properties.
