Man in his 70s is in serious condition after incident in Farnworth area

A couple are being treated for burns after a suspected gas explosion in Bolton, which has left one of them, a man in his 70s, in a serious condition in hospital. A number of homes have been evacuated and emergency services have attended after reports of an explosion in the Farnworth area at 2:30pm on Sunday.

The couple were able to get out of the house before emergency workers arrived, Greater Manchester fire and rescue service confirmed. Firefighters have investigated the area with a gas-monitoring device to ensure no further explosions occur.

North West Ambulance Service said: “Two elderly patients who have sustained burns have been treated by our clinicians and taken by ambulance to Wythenshawe hospital. One of the patients … is in a serious condition.”



There is a cordon near where the explosion occurred, and several houses on the affected road have been evacuated as a precaution. The cause of the incident is still being investigated.

Cadent, the gas distributor responsible for the supply in the area, said: “Engineers are on site supporting the emergency services. The cause of the incident is not known and is being investigated.”