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Car park terror of exploding canister

by Sue Carr
5/ 3/2008

SHOPPERS were left shaken after an exploded gas canister blew a hole in the side of a supermarket.

The oxygen canister was described as ‘flying through the air’ before landing in the car park of Asda in Ashton, shattering a parked car and blasting a hole in the building.

The missile, which was on the railway viaduct next to the supermarket, is thought to have exploded after being hit by a train.

Staff and customers heard the explosion at lunchtime on Friday.

Sharon Jamieson, who works at the Cavendish Street store, said: "It was unreal. We don’t know the full story but somebody said a train hit it and that’s how it came over the wall.

"It completely crushed a woman’s car and caused quite a stir. It’s just lucky that no one was hurt."

Firefighters cordoned off the area near to the cashpoints while the canister was checked to make sure it was safe. British Transport Police are now investigating where it came from and are appealing for information from the public.

Inspector Glen Alderson said: "It is extremely fortunate that nobody in the car park was injured as a result of this incident.

"One witness who was sitting in her car next to the damaged vehicle has been left extremely shaken as a result.

"It is unclear exactly where in the vicinity of the railway the canister exploded. Witnesses describe it as flying through the air from the direction of the railway viaduct before it collided with the car and wall.

"A Manchester-bound train was passing at the time of the incident, however it doesn’t appear that a train struck the canister.

"We are therefore appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward if they have not yet spoken to police.

"We are also appealing to local people who may have seen anyone with the canister or have any other information."

Call British Transport Police free on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.