The inferno tore through the now-derelict Astoria bingo hall in Hyde and sent bricks falling to the ground
A derelict bingo hall began ‘crumbling to the ground’ as it was ravaged by a huge blaze on Monday night (February 24). The inferno tore through the former Astoria site and sent bricks hurtling into the road in Hyde as horrified onlookers watched on.
Numerous road closures were put in place as the roaring flames burst through the roof and scorched the site, which has been left empty since closing in 2009.
Plumes of thick smoke could be seen for miles, as pictured here, with dramatic video footage showing parts of the walls and bricks crumbling into the street. People could be heard shouting as parts of the building began falling down.
Fire crews were called to reports of the fire at the dilapidated two-storey building at around 8.25pm. Flames could also be seen escaping from a window on the upper floor of the building and bursting through gaps in the brick.
Heather Charlesworth, who was in the local Bike N Hound pub, was among witnesses watching from beside the cordon on Monday evening. “The firefighters have moved away because of how rapidly its growing,” she said.
“They’ve moved all of the trucks to one of the side streets. There’s flames coming out from what used to be windows and the roof has completely gone and there is black smoke billowing. You can still see flames coming out of every single crevice.
“It’s coming out of the bricks in the wall which are falling into the road. It is crumbling. It’s going down.”
Greater Manchester Police were also drafted in to help on Monday evening, as road closures were put in place on Clarendon Street, and nearby Hamnett Street and New Beech Street.
Aerial ladders were also seen being extended as jets were being used to try and dampen the flames from above. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At just after 8.25pm on Monday (February 24) four fire engines from Hyde, Ashton, Stalybridge and Gorton fire stations plus the hydraulic platform from Oldham fire station attended a fire involving a derelict two storey building on Clarendon Street, Hyde.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reels to tackle the fire with the road closed by Greater Manchester Police. Crews remain in attendance.”