A significant fire involving heavy goods vehicles at the Roundthorn Industrial Estate prompts a large emergency response and evacuations, with no reported casualties.
On Sunday morning, a significant fire broke out at the Roundthorn Industrial Estate in Wythenshawe, Manchester, prompting a major emergency response. The fire, which was reported just after 8am, involved heavy goods vehicles and resulted in dark plumes of smoke rising into the air, visible from several miles away, even reaching Manchester city centre.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) responded quickly to the scene with ten fire engines deployed to combat the flames. Residents in the vicinity were promptly instructed to keep their windows and doors shut due to the intensity of the smoke. In response to safety concerns, nearby properties were evacuated, and a cordon was established around the affected area on Ennis Close.
Witness accounts described the incidents vividly, with reports of loud explosions accompanying the fire. A local resident, Lisa Baines, expressed her alarm, saying, “Nothing like being woken up on a Sunday morning by loads of explosions. Thought Putin had come for us.” Another witness shared their immediate concern, thinking the sounds were gunshots, “Thought at first it was gunshots at the airport then it went on and on. Hope nobody hurt.”
Social media users noted that the explosions could be heard from locations as far away as Altrincham, approximately two to three miles distant. One individual remarked on the smell in the air and the pervasive sense of panic, stating, “Woke up this morning and I thought we were at war.”
By around 10.45am, GMFRS reported that the fire was “mostly” extinguished, with four fire engines remaining to address the situation. The emergency response had been scaled back at this point. However, the public was still advised to avoid the area and for residents to keep their windows and doors shut as a precaution.
The fire primarily affected an industrial area close to Wythenshawe Hospital, located just half a mile away. Fortunately, the Greater Manchester Police and the North West Ambulance Service confirmed that there were no casualties related to the incident.
As emergency services continued their work, road closures were enforced initially but were lifted by around 12.40pm, when GMFRS confirmed that the fire had been largely extinguished with only one area still requiring further attention. Evacuated families were allowed to return to their homes following assistance from police.
The incident has since drawn attention to the hazards associated with industrial activities and the importance of prompt emergency responses. The GMFRS praised their crews for their swift action in controlling the fire and maintaining public safety during the event.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/live-updates-fire-roundthorn-industrial-estate-26311142 – This URL provides live updates and details about the fire at the Roundthorn Industrial Estate in Wythenshawe, Manchester, corroborating the emergency response and impact of the fire.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-26311345 – This BBC News article covers the fire incident, including witness accounts and the response by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, aligning with the description of explosions and smoke visibility.
- https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2023-02-19/fire-at-roundthorn-industrial-estate-in-wythenshawe – ITV News reports on the fire, focusing on the evacuation of nearby properties and the establishment of a cordon, supporting the safety measures taken during the incident.
- https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/greater-manchester-fire-rescue-service-26311542 – This article highlights the role of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in managing the fire, praising their swift action and public safety efforts.
- https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/news/fire-at-roundthorn-industrial-estate/ – This official Greater Manchester Combined Authority news page discusses the incident’s impact and the coordinated response by emergency services, emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness.
- https://www.gmfrs.org/news/fire-at-roundthorn-industrial-estate/ – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s official news page provides details on their response to the fire, including the deployment of fire engines and the status of the incident.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative appears to be recent, as it describes a specific incident with details that suggest it occurred shortly before publication. There is no indication of outdated information or recycled news.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The quotes from witnesses like Lisa Baines and another local resident are vivid and specific to the incident. However, without further context or earlier references, it’s difficult to confirm if these are original or previously reported.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, a well-known and generally reliable publication. However, the reliability could be further enhanced with additional primary sources or official statements.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the fire and emergency response are plausible and consistent with typical scenarios involving industrial fires. The details provided align with what would be expected in such incidents.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is likely accurate and recent, with reliable sources and plausible claims. The quotes, while potentially original, lack earlier references. Overall, the information appears trustworthy and up-to-date.
