What happened
Emergency services are dealing with a major incident in Heywood after a collision in the early hours left part of a building crumbling to the ground. A car is believed to have struck the front of a building on Bridge Street, with dramatic debris visible on the pavement and inside the shopfront exposed. Dramatic scene photographs show a heap of bricks and rubble, and a van was later seen inside the cordon. The incident has prompted a large police presence and a broad cordon through the town centre.
Immediate response
Police and the fire service remain on the scene, with the road blocked in both directions while engineers and investigators assess safety risks. The structure is being stabilised and checked for further damage, and responders are working to ensure there are no further hazards such as fuel leaks or falling debris. At this stage, it is not yet known if anyone was inside the building at the time of the crash or if there were injuries.
The current scene
Bridge Street has been largely closed off to traffic and pedestrians as the emergency response continues. A van appearing to be part of the incident sits inside the cordon, adding to the complexity of securing the site. Local residents and nearby business owners have reported disruption as the area remains off-limits while responders carry out safety checks and a structural assessment.
What we know and what isn’t confirmed
There has been no formal statement yet from Greater Manchester Police or the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service detailing the cause or any confirmed injuries. The exact sequence of events remains under investigation. As with any live incident, information is issued carefully to avoid misreporting, and authorities have asked the public to await official updates.
What happens next
Over the coming hours, engineers and building inspectors will determine the stability of the structure and decide whether any further collapse risk exists. Depending on their findings, parts of Bridge Street could remain closed for an extended period. Police are expected to implement a formal traffic management plan and provide regular updates on when the area can safely reopen to through traffic and pedestrians.
Community impact and safety
The crash and the resulting debris have disrupted routine activity in Heywood town centre. Local businesses may experience short-term losses while access is restricted, and residents are advised to follow official advisories. Emergency services have urged people to stay clear of the site, avoid the area if possible, and report any information that could assist investigators.
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We will continue to monitor the situation and publish confirmed details from authorities as they become available. For ongoing coverage, follow the local news desk and sign up for updates to be delivered to your inbox.
