Winsford boat explosion leaves man with life-changing injuries

Emergency services were called to Winsford on Tuesday morning (July 30) following reports of an explosion.

Upon arrival, Cheshire Police officers found a narrowboat had blown up near the Red Lion pub.

A 38-year-old man is currently in hospital with injuries described as life-changing.

Police say the explosion was deliberate and that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson said: “At around 11.40am on Tuesday, police were called to reports of an incident near to the Bottom Flashes in Winsford.

“Officers attended the scene and found that there had been an explosion on a boat near to the Red Lion public house on High Street. 

“A 38-year-old man sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident and was taken to hospital. His injuries are described as life-changing.

“Following enquiries, officers have established that the cause of the fire was deliberate, although they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.”

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before midday on Tuesday (July 30) (Image: Supplied)

Residents have said the ‘ground shook’ following the explosion at around 11.40am.

A smell of burning wood wafted into nearby streets as huge clouds of black smoke could be seen pouring into the sky.

Within minutes of the explosion, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service sent two engines, one each from Winsford and Congleton, to the scene, along with the Water Incident Unit from Warrington.

"Firefighters used two sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to extinguish a boat on fire," said a CFRS spokesperson.

An air ambulance was also in attendance and was spotted taking off at around 1pm.

Police advised members of the public to avoid the area, with the incident resulting in queues of traffic for several hours after the explosion.

Air ambulance at the scene (Image: Supplied)