A major fire broke out at a Sofa Superstore in Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday afternoon after a van and a lorry caught fire in the car park. Flames from the vehicles spread to part of the nearby retail building, prompting a large emergency response.
Firefighters tackle blaze on Oldham Road
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service received reports of the fire at around 3pm on Saturday 11 July. Five fire engines from Oldham, Hollins, Withington, Hyde and Chadderton, along with an aerial appliance from Manchester Central, were dispatched to the scene on Oldham Road.
Police closed Oldham Road while firefighters worked to control the blaze. Pictures and video from the scene show thick smoke billowing from the building, with firefighters spraying water on the badly damaged van and lorry.
No casualties reported
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "At around 3pm this afternoon (Saturday 11 July), fire crews were called to reports of a fire involving vehicles at a commercial property on Oldham Road, Ashton-under-Lyne. Five fire engines from Oldham, Hollins, Withington, Hyde and Chadderton, along with an aerial appliance from Manchester Central, quickly attended the scene."
The spokesperson added: "On arrival, firefighters discovered a large goods vehicle and a transit van well alight in the car park of a retail complex, with fire damage affecting part of a commercial property. Crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to tackle the fire and carried out searches of the affected premises. All staff and customers were safely evacuated and no casualties were reported."
Firefighters remained at the scene working to extinguish the fire and prevent further spread. The cause of the initial vehicle fire is under investigation.
