Emergency services conducted a search for potential casualties in a Greater Manchester town after a derelict pub caught fire in the evening. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) responded to reports of a fire at a commercial property on York Street in Heywood, Rochdale just before 6pm on Sunday, January 18.
The flames engulfed the former White Lion pub, prompting multiple firefighters to battle the blaze at the scene. Smoke billowed from the building, leading to a search for potential casualties, but fortunately, no one was found. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
This incident occurred at the White Lion pub, which has been closed since a fatal crash in July 2024. University graduate Will Place lost his life when the car he was driving crashed into the pub, causing extensive damage and igniting a massive fire. The crash happened after police officers in a patrol car tried to stop the vehicle on nearby Bolton Road, resulting in the tragic incident.
Will, aged 23, was pronounced dead by emergency services at the scene. Regarding the recent fire at the pub, a GMFRS spokesperson mentioned that three fire engines from Rochdale and Bury fire stations swiftly arrived to extinguish the flames on the first floor of the building. Fire crews are still present to conduct safety checks and secure the area.