An emergency road closure is in place on Hollins Road in Oldham this evening (October 9) after severe flooding struck a residential street. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said they were called to the road following reports of flooding on the ground floor of five properties at the junction with Howgill Crescent. The cause of the flooding has not yet been ascertained.
Crews pump water from flooded street
Photos from the scene show multiple fire engines in attendance, with officers working to pump water away from a small lake of flood water in the middle of the road. Officers from United Utilities, GMFRS and Oldham Council are at the scene.
Hollins Road, a busy main road in the area, remains shut this evening with an emergency road closure in place 'to keep the public and partners safe', according to United Utilities. A business and several houses have been affected by the incident.
Emergency response and road closure
A United Utilities spokesperson said: “Engineers are working with colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and Oldham Council following reports of flooding on Hollins Road, Oldham.
"To keep the public and partners safe while investigations continue, an emergency road closure is in place. We apologise for any inconvenience, and will provide an update as soon as possible.”
Firefighters at scene for eight hours
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 12pm this afternoon (Friday 9th October), five fire engines from Hollins, Chadderton, Rochdale Central, Manchester Central, and Blackley fire station were called to reports of flooding on the ground floor of five properties on Hollins Road, Oldham.
“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing dry suits are working with colleagues from United Utilities, Highways, Cadent Gas, Greater Manchester Police and Oldham Council to make the area safe.
"GMFRS are helping pump the flood water away from the properties using specialist equipment. Firefighters have been in attendance for around eight hours and are still at the scene.”
