Search for Potential Casualties After Rochdale Pub Ravaged by Fire

The pub has been closed since a tragic fatal crash in 2024 A search for casualties was carried out after a pub erupted into flames in Rochdale on Sunday night (January 18). The former White Lion pub on York Street in Heywood was taped off following the fire. Police and fire crews raced to the scene shortly before 6pm. Numerous fire engines were pictured in attendance, with smoke seen billowing out of the building. The White Lion pub has remained closed since a fatal crash in July 2024. University graduate Will Place was killed after the car he was driving was ploughed into the pub and burst into flames, causing extensive damage. The crash, that occurred after police officers in a patrol car had attempted to stop the vehicle on nearby Bolton Road moments before, then sparked a huge blaze, with fire crews racing to the incident. Will, aged 23, was tragically pronounced dead by emergency services at the scene. Fire crews confirmed they were called to the fire at the derelict pub and it's understood a search for potential causalities was carried out amid the blaze and nobody was found. The cause has not yet been confirmed. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said, “Just before 6pm this evening (Saturday, 18th January), firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a derelict pub on York Street in Heywood. “Three fire engines from Rochdale and Bury fire stations quickly arrived at the scene of a fire to the first floor of the building and used hose reels to extinguish the flames. Crews remain in attendance as they continue to carry out further safety checks to the building and make the area safe.”