Fire crews praised as homes collapse

Fire crews from Tameside were involved in helping keep residents safe when two homes in Gorton collapsed into a sinkhole.

Crews were first called to Walmer Street on Wednesday last week to reports of a suspected sewer collapse after heavy rain from Storm Christoph.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was initially called to the scene just after 9pm after an unoccupied motor vehicle was left half-submerged in the sinkhole which had developed in the road surface.

Firefighters from Gorton station were soon at the scene and acted swiftly to throw up a cordon around the hole, which measured approximately 10ft in diameter. 

Working with Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council and United Utilities, several other vehicles were removed from the street and residents from four nearby homes  evacuated.

On Thursday fire crews were called back to the scene at 11.10am when two of the evacuated buildings partially collapsed.

A crew on the Technical Rescue Unit from Ashton station worked to keep members of the public from approaching the potentially dangerous structures. 

Neighbouring residents were helped from their homes and firefighters remained at the scene until relieved by colleagues from building demolition. 

Station manager Andrew O’Brien, from Hyde, who attended the incident, said: “I want to praise firefighters for their swift work in making the scene safe, and in doing so preventing a risk to local residents’ health and safety. 

“Crews also worked through the night at this scene, during the height of the stormy weather, and their hard work is testament to their professionalism.

“The safety of the public was our primary concern, and I’m pleased to say no-one has suffered any injuries,” he added.

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