In the early hours of Sunday morning, a massive fire broke out at the Roundthorn Industrial Estate in Wythenshawe, Manchester, leaving local residents in shock.

The fire, which started just after 8 am, involved several heavy goods vehicles and sent black smoke and orange flames shooting high into the sky.

The intensity of the blaze forced families living nearby to evacuate due to the overwhelming smoke.

A large emergency response was quickly dispatched to tackle the fire, with ten fire engines arriving at the scene.

Explosions and Evacuations Rock Local Community

As the fire raged on, loud explosions were heard, some even from as far as two or three miles away in Altrincham.

Social media users reported hearing the pops and described a strong smell in the air.

In one shocking instance, a local woman, Lisa Baines, shared her reaction, saying she thought the UK was under attack, joking, “Nothing like being woken up on a Sunday morning by loads of explosions. Thought Putin had come for us.”

Many other residents shared similar concerns, fearing that something catastrophic was unfolding nearby.

Emergency Response and Safety Measures in Place

The scene saw a massive emergency response, with not only fire services but also Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service in attendance.

Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.

As a safety precaution, people living in nearby areas were advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

The road closures also affected major routes, including Floats Road, Ledson Road, and Southmoor Road, causing significant disruptions in the area.

Thankfully, by 12:40 pm, most of the fire was under control, with only one section still requiring attention from firefighters.

Reassurance as the Situation Stabilizes

By late morning, emergency crews had managed to bring the fire under control, using jets and breathing apparatus to extinguish most of the flames.

At 10:45 am, the fire had mostly been put out, and the response began to scale back.

With a reduced number of fire engines still on the scene, residents were reassured that the situation was being handled, though the advice to keep windows and doors shut remained in place.

Around 12:40 pm, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that the fire had been largely extinguished, and the evacuation orders were lifted. Roads that had been closed were also reopened.

A Community in Shock

The local community has now begun to return to normal, but the event left many shaken.

Some even expressed their fear of a potential terrorist attack or a military strike, given the intensity of the explosions.

Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries, and emergency teams have done their part in containing the disaster.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of industrial fires and the swift response required to keep communities safe.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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