A house has collapsed following a suspected gas explosion, police have said.
A search for casualties is ongoing following the incident in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, on Friday afternoon, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said.
Lancashire Police said officers were called to Kirkby Avenue at about 1.30pm.
We are currently at the scene of a suspected gas explosion on Kirkby Avenue, Clayton-le-Woods.We were called at around 1.30pm today (Friday, October 15) to a report a house had collapsed.For more information go to: https://t.co/TMhTWG6SYp pic.twitter.com/aB1mDttKQx
— Lancashire Police (@LancsPolice) October 15, 2021
A fire service spokesman said seven fire engines are at the scene, along with the urban search and rescue team, search dogs, an aerial ladder platform and the air support unit.
People in nearby properties are advised to close windows and doors to avoid being affected by smoke.
A police spokesman said: “Our officers are at the scene, along with our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the ambulance service.
More information is available on our website: https://t.co/QH7Mxuk7o0
— Lancashire Fire (@LancashireFRS) October 15, 2021
“A safety cordon has been put in place and nearby residents have been evacuated.”
Road closures are also in place and people are advised to avoid the area, police said.
