Building collapses on King Street

A busy stretch of Oldham town centre was thrown into chaos today after a building partially collapsed on King Street shortly after midday.

Emergency services were called at around 12.30pm, with witnesses reporting a loud crash and a plume of dust as part of the structure, which was covered in scaffolding, gave way.

Police, firefighters and paramedics, including an air ambulance and hazardous area response team, raced to the scene. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said three fire engines attended and confirmed that five people managed to leave the building before crews arrived. North West Ambulance Service said at least two people were taken to hospital, with injuries not believed to be life‑threatening, while police reported that several others were assessed at the scene.

Greater Manchester Police said officers are working alongside fire and ambulance colleagues “to ensure the safety of the public” and urged people to avoid King Street while searches and safety checks continue. Several roads around the town centre have been closed, causing significant disruption to traffic and local bus & tram services throughout the afternoon.

The collapse also damaged a gas main and engineers from Cadent are on site working to isolate the supply to the property as firefighters continue to secure the scene. The building, which was under scaffolding at the time of the incident, remains unstable and is being closely monitored by structural specialists brought in by the emergency services.

No cause for the collapse has yet been established and an investigation is expected to begin once the site has been made fully safe. Crews remained in attendance into the evening and authorities said the cordon and road closures are likely to stay in place for some time as work continues.

King Street remains closed until further notice.