What happened in Heywood?
A major crash in Heywood has left part of a building crumbling to the ground in the early hours of this morning. The incident occurred on Bridge Street, in the town centre, where a car is reported to have struck the front of a building. Dramatic scenes unfolded as bricks and debris littered the ground and the interior of the structure was exposed in places.
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed exact details about how the collision occurred or whether there were injuries. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been approached for a formal statement, and updates will be provided as they become available. The scene remains under investigation as officers monitor the area and assess safety concerns in the wake of the collapse.
Current scene and response
A large police cordon is in place on Bridge Street with road closures in both directions. The immediate area has been sealed off to traffic and pedestrians, and a van is visible within the cordon, suggesting a multi-vehicle response may have been involved or nearby at the time of the crash. Firefighters and police continue to manage the scene, and there are ongoing efforts to secure the structure and ensure public safety while assessments are carried out.
Eye-witness photographs show a heap of bricks and debris on the ground, and portions of the building’s interior exposed to view. The weight and integrity of the remaining façade are being evaluated by engineers as emergency services maintain a cautious approach around the site. People living or working nearby are being advised to stay clear of the cordon until officials declare the area safe.
Implications for the local area
The incident is in the town centre, and Bridge Street is a busy route for residents and visitors. With the road closed in both directions, local traffic and businesses are likely to be affected as investigators carry out their work and the site is cleared. Authorities will need to determine whether there are any atmospheric or structural risks to neighbouring buildings and will coordinate any required safety precautions accordingly.
What happens next
Investigators from GMP and GMFRS will lead the inquiry, with potential involvement from structural engineers to assess stability and determine the cause of the crash and the partial building collapse. Until formal updates are issued, details remain unconfirmed and the investigation is expected to take time. Once new information becomes available, authorities will release statements and guidance for the public and affected businesses.
How to stay updated
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Safety and travel tips
If you are in the area, avoid the cordon and follow any directions from authorities. Allow extra travel time if you need to pass through nearby streets that may be affected as clean-up and safety checks proceed. Keep an eye on official channels for confirmed details about injuries, incident cause, and timeline for reopening the road.
