A fire broke out at a landmark Manchester city centre building this evening, June 23. Plumes of smoke filled the streets and train tracks of the city. The fire caused the city centre building to collapse partially, and it has spread to a neighboring tower block.
Embers from the flames at Hotspur House reached 1 Cambridge Street. So, the residents of the building needed to evacuate, according to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
The fire service advised the people to stay away from the area and said that 20 fire engines are working on the scene. A spokesperson said that the fire has spread to three floors of Hotspur House. Aerial units are used to bring the blaze under control.
The spokesperson also said that the two apartment blocks at No. 1 Cambridge Street have been vacated. He added that a cordon is in place on Cambridge Street, and they have asked the people to stay away from the area.
Residents of that area must keep their doors and windows closed because of massive smoke in the region.
The footage of the scene shows that parts of the Hotspur House have collapsed. The National Rail said that all railway tracks are blocked and the railway service running through that line could be cancelled until 21:00 BST.
Rail replacement buses are running from Manchester Oxford Road for Northern customers, covering all stops to Warrington Central. Buses were also departing from Warrington Central, covering all stops to Manchester Oxford Road.
Greater Manchester Police declared that emergency services were called to the area at around 5 pm. Multiple jets and the fire brigade’s air units are working together to bring the blaze.
However, the causes of this fire breakout remain unclear; the investigations are ongoing. Various neighboring roads remain closed off as fire crews are working to keep the area safe.
A woman has described the terrifying fire breakout, and she started packing bags as the fire consumed the building very close to her 14th-floor flat.
Trainee journalist, Izzy, said that she was walking home from work, and there was a lot of commotion. She turned the corner of HOME cinema and instantly she experienced a wave of heat. The flames were orange, and those were completely scary.
Georgia, also a trainee journalist, said that they were a couple of buildings away. They were 14th floor up, and if they had to evacuate, they would have to go down all those stairs. She added that the moment was frightening.