Massive 'gas' explosion hits homes in Oldham Police, firefighters and paramedics were sent to the scene of the explosion near Buckley Street and Duchess Street in Oldham, Greater Manchester, at about 11.15am today. Greater Manchester Police said: "Emergency services are at the scene following a large explosion in the Shaw area of Oldham. Shortly after 11.15am today, police were called to Shaw following a report that homes had been seriously damaged in a large explosion. Police, fire and ambulance services are at the scene and a cordon is being put in place. At this stage there are no confirmed details on casualties or the number of homes damaged.