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Emergency services at the scene of this morning's gas explosion in Irlam. Key103 via Facebook
UK

Seven rescued from Manchester gas blast

Emergency services continue to search rubble for survivors.

SEVEN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN rescued from the scene of a gas explosion in Irlam, Salford, Greater Manchester.

Emergency services believe more people may still be trapped beneath rubble after one house was destroyed and four others badly damaged.

The blast, which occurred at around 7am today, was heard by one fireman six miles away.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said this morning that it received reports of a fire at 7.09am and eight fire crews with 40 firefighters were dispatched to the scene.

The BBC reports that five adults and two children have been rescued, but they are described as being “in a pretty bad condition” and are suffering bad burns, according to an ambulance spokesperson.

Police have closed off Silver Street, Merlin Road and other routes in the area and sniffer dogs are being used to continue to search for anyone who remains trapped.