Pictures: Oldham gas explosion – photos of the heartbreaking devastation
Photographs of the Oldham gas explosion site reveal the devastating impact it has had on the Shaw community.
One house on Buckley Street was destroyed while nearby houses show extensive damage and are strewn with debris.
Two-year-old Jamie Heaton died in the blast on Buckley Street at around 11.15am yesterday, approximately 30 minutes after a gas leak was reported to the National Grid.
A 27-year-old man was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital with 80% burns and police are aware of a domestic incident which took place on the street the night before.
BLAST SITE: Buckley Street, Oldham
Superintendent Neil Evans said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of this
young child who has tragically died.
“His loved ones are absolutely distraught and we will provide them with whatever support we can at what is clearly a very difficult and upsetting time.”
EXTENSIVE DAMAGE: Police cordon off the gas explosion site
He added: “We are also aware of some rumours within the local community about a potential domestic disturbance in the area last night.
“What I can categorically say is that if that is the case, the police were not called. However, if anyone has any information about this, particularly if they think it might be relevant to what happened yesterday, I would urge them to get in touch.”
BLAST DEBRIS: Police and fire officers survey the scene
Members of the public are able to donate funds to help the hundreds of families evacuated from their homes as well as the parents of young Jamie.
The Disaster Relief Fund for the Shaw Gas Explosion is being organised by Forever Manchester.
DEVASTATION: The blast site
If you’d like to contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund, or to support the victims of the Shaw explosion, please click here and donate.
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DEVASTATION: Debris at the scene
ON SCENE: Experts assess the site
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