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At 4.20 pm on June 13 1917, the Hooley Hill Rubber and Chemical Works in the centre of Ashton-under-Lyne blew up. The plant manufactured explosives as part of the war effort.

The explosion was caused by TNT catching fire at the factory, despite desperate attempts by the manager of the works to put the blaze out. Sylvian Drefyus died in the subsequent blast.

The blast claimed the lives of 45 men, women and children. Some youngsters were killed as they made their way home from school.

The blast destroyed the factory and severely damaged hundreds of houses and buildings in the surrounding area.

Location: Oxford Street (former site of the factory), Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 0NB
Image: Munitions works after explosion, courtesy of Tameside MBC