Emergency services have rushed to the scene of an explosion at a high-rise tower block.

At least one construction worker was hurt in the blast, which occurred at around 9am at Viadux Tower in Manchester. 

It’s understood workers were using concrete in a flooring space on one of the tower’s upper floors when the explosion happened.

Police, ambulance crews and firefighters were called to the 40-storey building, which is set for completion by property developer Salboy next year.

Salboy and the construction company said a full investigation has been opened into today’s blast.

The worker’s injuries are not thought to be life-changing, police said.

Officers remain at the site to ensure the building is structurally safe, reports Manchester Evening News.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “GMP were called to Albion Street in the city centre this morning (Tuesday 4 April 2023) at around 9am to reports of an explosion at a high-rise building.

“Injuries sustained by one of the workers are believed not to be life changing with emergency services still in attendance to ensure the building is structurally safe.”

Four fire engines attended the incident. 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Fire engines and an aerial platform were called to attend a construction site off Albion Street in Manchester shortly after 08.45 this morning, in support of colleagues from North West Ambulance Service. Firefighters have now left the scene.”

In a statement, North West Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 8:26am to Albion Street in Manchester. 

“We attended with our Hazardous Area Response Team, ambulance, rapid response vehicle, advanced paramedic and on scene commander. One patient has been taken to hospital.”

In a joint statement, Salboy and DOMIS Construction said: “Earlier today, an individual was injured on one of our sites. We take the safety of everyone on our sites and the surrounding areas very seriously, and we have opened an investigation to understand what happened and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.”

DOMIS Construction is Salboy’s construction partner and manage the site.

The Manchester Evening News approached the Heath and Safety Executive for comment. A spokesman said: “We are aware of this incident and making some initial enquiries.”

Once complete, Viadux Tower will offer one and two-bedroom apartments as well as commercial office space.

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