Residents have been allowed back into their homes after a car crashed into a house on Halifax Road in Rochdale, causing a gas leak that led to the evacuation of up to 55 people. The road has now been re-opened.
Collision and evacuation
Police were called to reports of a vehicle colliding with a property on Halifax Road at around 2.55am on Saturday (October 31, 2026). The collision caused a confirmed gas leak, the force said.
Up to 55 people were evacuated following the incident, and a 50-metre cordon was put in place while investigations were ongoing. Two people were taken to hospital.
Emergency response
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 2.25am on Saturday 31 October, three fire engines from Rochdale and Littleborough fire stations attended a road traffic collision involving one car on Halifax Road, Rochdale.
“Crews arrived quickly and used specialist equipment to make the area safe. Two casualties were taken to hospital by North West Ambulance Service.
“Firefighters also assisted with the evacuation of nearby properties because of a gas leak caused by the collision. Overall, crews were in attendance for approximately four-and-a-half hours.”
Road reopened
Posting on social media on Saturday, Greater Manchester Police's Rochdale division said: "Emergency services are responding to an incident on Halifax Road, Rochdale, following a vehicle collision with a property at around 2:25am which has caused a confirmed gas leak. Around 55 people have been evacuated and a 50-metre cordon is in place. The road remains closed while emergency services carry out their work."
Today, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed the road has been re-opened after the leak was 'contained'.
