Ten people injured after explosion rips through house in Ashton-under-Lyne

At least 10 people have been injured following an explosion at a house in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.

The blast ripped through the terraced house on Curzon Street just after 5am on 9 August.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the explosion has left some people seriously injured and caused the property to collapse at the front and the back.

The neighbouring houses have also been damaged.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion.

The gas and electricity supplies were turned off at the house and four neighbouring properties.

Station Manager Alan Ashworth, incident commander at the scene, said: "We were called initially to a fire and when crews arrived there were a number of people injured on the floor and it was obvious there had been an explosion in the house. We helped them but they were later treated by paramedics from North West Ambulance Service while we tackled the fire using covering jets.

"We are now aware that there are at least 10 casualties. Some are suffering with burns and lacerations. We don't have full details of the casualties, but we now know three people were inside the property at the time of the explosion. Some people were also injured while helping to rescue people.

"We have stabilising equipment on both sides of the building as there is a potential risk of collapse. We are aware of two collapses so far and therefore are trying to prevent another. Therefore the cordon and road closures will remain in place for now.

"We don't yet know the cause of the explosion and our fire investigation team are at the scene working with the police."

Authorities said Curzon Road, Whiteacre Road and Clinton Street are all closed and people are asked to avoid the area if possible.