'There was no way out... I thought we were going to die'

NEIGHBOUR TELLS OF TERRIFYING SCENES AS HOUSE EXPLODES, LEAVING PENSIONER SERIOUSLY INJURED

- THOMAS GEORGE AND JAMES HOLT

A WOMAN in her 70s was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after a house exploded in a quiet street.

Shortly after 11am yesterday, a mid-terrace property in Bury erupted into a wall of flames and began crumbling to the ground.

Emergency services raced to the scene of the major blast on Nelson Street, with terrified residents told to flee and a huge cordon erected in the area. The front of the house involved was obliterated, its windows were blown out and most of the roof collapsed.

But in a neighbourhood stricken with fear, there remained a 'strong sense of community, unity and resilience' said local councillor Tamoor Tariq. He claimed last night that three homes may now have to be demolished.

Heroic locals reportedly tried to help and rescue a seriously injured woman from the burning house.

Witnesses reported seeing a group of brave men even venture into the backyard of the house hit by the blast amid the rescue mission, with fire crews and police also called out to the scene as the house slowly crumbled.

Neighbouring homes were evacuated and a 200 metre cordon put in place. Amid the chaos, a nearby school was closed, with children sent home for the rest of the day.

Dramatic pictures and videos showed how a wall of flames engulfed the house as it was quickly set ablaze, with thick plumes of smoke billowing from the property. Severe damage was also caused to neighbouring homes. When fire crews arrived, they were met with a 'fully evolved fire' and 'partial collapse' Battling the flames continued throughout the day, with drone pictures showing how the house was left almost completely demolished.