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Eight hurt in ‘fridge’ explosion at store

UP to 1,000 people were evacuated from a supermarket and shopping centre after an explosion left eight people injured.

Shoppers ran out in panic from the Ellesmere Centre in Bolton Road, Walkden, after a fridge apparently exploded in the new Tesco Extra supermarket.

Witnesses described hearing a loud bang and seeing the shop, which was packed with Christmas shoppers, fill with white smoke.

It is thought that a pipe in a refrigeration unit ruptured and poured carbon dioxide into the store, which only opened in September at a cost of £25 million.

Diane Moran, aged 30, of Garden Street, Pendleton, said: “Everyone was just screaming and running, and leaving their trolleys.

“It was scary. My son was crying his eyes out. I had to pick him up and leave his wheelchair inside while I carried him out.

“We were right next to it when it happened. There was a big massive bang and loads of white smoke everywhere.

“Everyone just kind of stood still because we didn’t know what was happening, then the alarm was going off and someone said everyone get out. I think a little boy and his father were thrown to the floor by it.”

Catherine Mundy, aged 46, of Sunningdale Drive, Prestwich, said: “Everybody was just making a run for the exits. It was frightening. I didn’t know what was happening. I’ve never seen a fridge explode before.”

Eight people were treated by paramedics after the incident for shock and smoke inhalation.

No-one suffered serious physical injuries, but a pregnant woman, a 76-year-old man and two asthmatics were among those treated. Five casualties were taken to the Salford Royal Hospital and one to the Royal Bolton Hospital as a precaution.

Firefighters from Farnworth and Eccles attended the incident, which happened near the meat aisle at about 3.10pm yesterday.

Security supervisor Spencer Smith confirmed about 1,000 people were evacuated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVaqtRx8S8

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            last updated 20/12/12 

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