Up to 55 evacuated after car hits Rochdale house and causes gas leak

Up to 55 people were evacuated from homes after a car hit a house on Halifax Road, Rochdale, on Saturday 31 October, causing a gas leak. Two people were taken to hospital.

A cordon extending 50 metres was set up as emergency services dealt with the incident. Halifax Road was closed during the response, but is understood to have since reopened.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service sent three fire engines from its Rochdale and Littleborough stations shortly after 2.25am. Firefighters used specialist equipment to secure the area and helped residents leave nearby properties.

North West Ambulance Service took the two casualties to hospital. Fire crews remained at the scene for about four and a half hours.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the collision had caused the gas leak.