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

A boat has caught fire on a section of the Rochdale Canal in Miles Platting this evening.

Two fire crews are tackled the blaze, which was first reported at around 8pm.

A technical response unit was also in attendance, a spokesperson for the fire service told the Manchester Evening News .

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Witnesses reported hearing a ‘huge blast’ and seeing ‘thick dark smoke’ shortly after 8pm, around Holland Street.

“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.”

Now, a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) spokesperson has confirmed more details of the incident.

“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,” a statement said.

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

Photos from the sceneshow a large emergency service presence.

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