Bolton woman taken to hospital after fire caused by damage to Tonge substation

It was one of a number of blazes which started in properties caused by a fault at a substation in Tonge Moor.

Hundreds left without power in Tonge Moor

Emergency services were called to numerous incidents starting at around 5.30 am this morning (Wednesday March 23) after several reports of fires and smoke in buildings within a one-mile radius of the fault.

Fire crews from eight separate stations were involved.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were quickly on the scene and firefighters from Agecroft, Bolton Central, Bolton North, Bury, Farnworth, Horwich, Ramsbottom and Whitefield worked hard to isolate electrical supplies to several properties, extinguish flames, clear smoke and assist residents where required.

“One woman in her 60s on Firwood Lane required medical attention and was taken to hospital by colleagues from North West Ambulance Service.

“By 1pm all crews had left their scenes and returned to their stations.”

Paul McMahon, area manager for Electricity North West, said: “At 6.30am a fault and damage at an electricity substation caused a power cut to 255 properties in Tonge Moor.

Firwood Lane

“We immediately despatched teams to the site to assess the damage and make repairs. Due to the nature of the fault, we are also carrying out investigations at customers’ properties and are dropping letters to all properties affected.

“Our teams will remain in the area and carry out a full investigation alongside repair work to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible.”

One resident told The Bolton News that he had to come home from work to let the engineers in, and had heard several reports from neighbours that ‘quite a few tellys have gone bang today’.

Adding to the chaos, traffic lights failed at the junction between the A58 Crompton Way and the A676 Tonge Moor Road, causing hold ups at the four-way junction.

The latest estimate from Electricity North West is for the return of power is 9 pm, however previous estimates have been amended throughout the day, so this may yet change.

Another resident said: “It’s a right mess. I wish they’d hurry up. I don’t know what to do with myself.”

Residents said that fuses had been removed from their property by Electricity North West.

Mr McMahon said: “In regards to fuses being removed, this happens for safety reasons and it’s just so teams can carry out inspections before restoring power to the respective properties.

Electricity North West

“We’ve also got a food van located on the Family Shopper Car Park on Crompton Way which is available, free of charge, for those affected. “