A 76-year-old woman is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a gas blast destroyed four Salford homes.
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Eleven people were taken to hospital following the explosion at a row of houses on Merlin Road in Irlam.
The elderly female resident who was rescued has life-threatening burns to 30% of her body.
Ten others - five adults and five children - were also taken to hospital, some in a serious condition.
No one is reported missing, but emergency workers continue to search the debris in order to be absolutely certain.
Geoff Ackroyd, from Greater Manchester Fire And Rescue Service, said: "When the firefighters arrived it was utter chaos.
The blast tore through the terraced properties shortly after 7am
"There was quite a demolished building, people running everywhere.
"But we had neighbours go beyond the call of duty, and rescue their neighbours."
Two other homes in the terrace row have been badly damaged.
Dan Corker, who lives in the end property, said he woke up to find his ceiling had caved in.
"The ceiling landed on my head, luckily my daughter was asleep in bed with us so we managed to get her out," he said.
"When we came out there were three house flat, one half-flat and a load of rubble everywhere."
Emergency officials say the Irlam scene remains dangerous
A number of connecting roads - including Silver Street, Morrillion Road and Cutnook Lane - have been closed off by police.
The gas board was digging up Merlin Road to shut off the supply.
Reports have indicated the blast was heard and felt at least two six miles away.
Local resident Sharon Watts told Sky News when she arrived at the scene she saw "three houses that were completely blown apart".
Nearby Fiddlers Lane Community Primary School has been closed to pupils but is providing shelter for those evacuated from their homes.
Headteacher Julie Carson said: "We've opened up our hall and we are providing snacks and drinks.
"We are working with the council."