Bury explosion: Fundraiser launched for families who have lost their homes
03.03.2024 - 17:23
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A fundraiser has been launched to support the families who have lost their homes following a major explosion in Bury.
Three homes on Nelson Street, in the Fishpool area, are currently being demolished ‘brick by brick’ after suffering irreparable damage in the blast. Demolition began on Friday and the homes’ former occupants now face an anxious wait to see if any of their possessions will be saved.
Emergency services raced to the scene of the explosion at around 11am on Wednesday and a woman - aged in her 70s - was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
A joint investigation between the fire service, Cadent Gas, police and Bury Council into what caused the explosion is currently underway and demolition works are expected to continue into next week.
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Mushtaq Anwar’s family home of 18 years is one of the properties being torn down. The end of terrace house holds memories of his children growing up and contains all the family’s assets including jewellery ready for his daughter’s wedding.
The father of three, who works as a taxi driver, also lost his livelihood in the blast when his Toyota Corolla was crushed by bricks blown out during the explosion.
As he watched his home be dismantled before his eyes, he told the Manchester Evening News: “I’m out of work and my home, everything.”
Mushtaq’s neighbour, who owns the other house attached to the property that ‘exploded’, is also waiting to see if any of his belongings will be salvaged during the demolition.
On losing his house, the Nelson Street resident, who did