HGV goes up in flames after ‘explosions’
A HGV was engulfed by flames at a factory after reports of ‘explosions’ from nearby residents.
The blaze in Middleton last night sent black smoke billowing into the air, which could be seen for several miles.
Crews were called to Vitafoam, just off Oldham Road, shortly after 8.30pm.
Many people on social media also reported hearing loud explosions.
Amy O’Toole posted on Twitter: “Loud explosions and billowing smoke, looks like from #vitafoam in #middleton.”
Phoebe Mayall tweeted: “Just heard three massive explosions in Chadderton.”
Twitter user @GaryC_1288 added: “Almighty series of explosions in Middleton at 20.40. In the general direction of Vitafoam. From about a quarter of a mile away plumes of smoke three hundred feet high. Hope all are safe.”
Chris Farmer, who recorded the footage, heard two loud explosions.
He said that firefighters arrived on the scene quickly and that the flames were quickly brought under control.
He was told by people who work at the site that a lorry had caught fire, and that staff had pushed it away from the building.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue said: “We were called at 8.39pm to reports of an HGV trailer on fire, three metres from Vitafoam Ltd.
“We sent three crews to the scene.”