A HUGE fire has erupted through a Manchester building sparking widespread evacuations.
All railway lines into Oxford Road station are closed whilst fire services tackle a blaze which erupted in Manchester city centre earlier this evening.
AlamyA huge fire erupted in central Manchester earlier this evening[/caption]
AlamyAll floors of the derelict Hotspur building are believed to be on fire[/caption]
AlamyClouds of black smoke were seen billowing out of the building[/caption]
Emergency services have been tackling the blaze to stop it from spreadingAlamy
Shocking footage shows plumes of black smoke billowing in the sky as giant flames shoot out of the burning building’s windows.
Emergency services were called to the now-derelict Hotspur Press building to tackle the huge fire earlier this evening.
While passengers from Oxford Road station and residents from two apartment blocks were evacuated.
Some 20 fires engines were called to the scene, while multiple jets and an air unit were also deployed to tackle to spread of the fire, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.
Trains are currently not running to and from the station with disruptions expected to persist until 8pm.
Road closures have been put in place with A34 Oxford Street shut in both directions between Charles Street and B6469 Whitworth Street.
Whitworth Street in both directions between A5103 Albion Street and A34 Oxford Street has also been shut.
All floors of the derelict Hotspur building are believed to be on fire with cordons in place blocking off surrounding streets.
Local councillor Pat Karney told Manchester Evening News: “I can see the huge dark clouds from my flat.”
A National Rail spokesperson said: “Due to a fire next to the track at Manchester Oxford road, all lines are blocked and the station has been evacuated.
“Trains are currently unable to run through Manchester Oxford road in both directions. emergency services are aware of the issue and are sending a team to site.”
A TransPennine Express spokesperson said: “Due to a fire next to the track at Manchester Oxford Road all lines are blocked.
“Train services running through this station may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 20:00.”
Passengers were evacuated from the nearby train stationAlamy
XThe blaze can be seen for miles across the city centre[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
