Dramatic picture shows moment boat burst into flames on Rochdale Canal

A dramatic picture shows the moment a boat burst into flames on the Rochdale Canal.

A 'huge blast' was heard after the fire broke out at around 8pm last night (Wednesday).

Fire crews - including two fire engines and a technical response unit - were called to the scene near Holland Street in Miles Platting.

READ MORE:'Huge blast' reported in Miles Platting as boat catches fire on Rochdale Canal

Witnesses reported seeing ‘thick dark smoke’ coming from the blaze.

“The sound was one huge blast that could easily be heard from a few miles,” one resident said.

“It was loud, a very loud blast though.”

Fire crews were pictured at the scene last night.

The boat was left badly burnt after the blaze.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS): "At 8:03pm on Wednesday March 3, 2022, two fire engines from Manchester Central and Philips Park fire stations and a technical response unit responded to a boat on fire on the Rochdale Canal near Holland Street, Miles Platting.

"Crews are currently in attendance and firefighters are using two hose reels to tackle the fire."

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