A FIREBALL has erupted near a hospital leaving an inferno and a huge plume of black smoke in Manchester – with residents evacuated from their homes.
Firefighters are battling the blaze at an industrial estate in Ennis Close in Wythenshawe after reports of a fire involving heavy goods vehicles.
ReutersMembers of the public look on as a fireball rises from the scene[/caption]
ReutersFirefighters are battling the large fire on an industrial estate[/caption]
ReutersA large plume of smoke rises into the sky[/caption]
Residents reported hearing “explosions” before seeing plumes of black smoke filling the sky as emergency services raced to the scene at Roundthorn industrial estate near Wythenshawe Hospital.
Ten fire engines are currently in attendance with police and ambulance services also assisting at the scene. It is not yet clear whether anyone was injured in the incident.
Several properties have been evacuated as fire services work to extinguish the blaze.
One person wrote on X: “Woke up this morning and I thought we were at war.”
Ben Meighan-Carey, who lives nearby, told the BBC: “It sounded like fireworks, then it seemed to get louder.”
He added that “there were constant bangs” which sounded like “explosions” for five to 10 minutes.
“I looked outside and there was loads of smoke,” Mr Meighan-Carey said.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 8.15am on Sunday 23 February, 10 fire appliances from across Greater Manchester were called to attend a fire involving heavy goods vehicles on Ennis Close, Manchester.
“Crews arrived quickly and are working hard to extinguish the fire. Several nearby properties have been evacuated.
“Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service are also in attendance.”
Have you been affected by the fire? Email [email protected]
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