Emergency services conducted a search for potential casualties in a town in Greater Manchester after a derelict pub caught fire this 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, shortly before 6pm today.
The flames engulfed the former White Lion pub, prompting multiple firefighters to the scene to battle the blaze, according to Manchester Evening News. Smoke billowed from the building, leading to a search for possible casualties, which fortunately turned up negative.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. The 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 in the crash when his car crashed into the pub, causing extensive damage and triggering a massive fire after a police chase on nearby Bolton Road.
Will, aged 23, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. A spokesperson for GMFRS stated that firefighters arrived quickly at the scene of the fire on the first floor of the derelict pub and used hose reels to extinguish the flames. Crews are currently on-site conducting safety checks and securing the area.
