Inquiry into factory blast
AN investigation has been launched into the cause of a factory blast in Littleborough.
As the Observer reported shutters were blown off the Corrosion Resistant Products (CRP) Ltd building on Todmorden Road and the roof partially collapsed during the explosion last Wednesday night.
There were fears people were inside the factory at the time of the explosion, but everyone was accounted for after fire crews searched the area.
Hazardous materials were stored inside the building, sparking concerns toxic fumes could have leaked from the plant.
Tests were carried out and once levels were deemed safe, a cordon surrounding the building was reduced.
Greater Manchester Fire group manager Jon Aspinall, who managed the incident, said: “This was a tricky incident that posed a number of challenges to firefighters, the main one being some potentially hazardous materials stored in the building.
“While this was a fairly minor explosion, there was a risk that there could be a leak of toxic fumes from the plant.
“Thanks to our hazardous materials and environmental protection officer, we monitored this until we were happy it was at a safe level before reducing the cordon.
“Our firefighters delivered when their community needed them the most.
“Their professional and efficient work allowed us to get it under control quickly and prevent further damage.”
Fire crews worked through the night and remained at the scene for more than five hours.
The blast was heard across Rochdale, with some residents reporting that their houses shook.
A resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I was cleaning up and heard this almighty bang and the whole building shook.
“I didn’t know what it was. A lot of people came out of their houses to see what was going on.
“No-one could believe what had happened.”
Another resident said: “I was sat watching television and all of a sudden the house just shook.
“I thought it was an earthquake. It was a strange feeling.
“I was concerned really as nobody knew what it was.”