Moment double-decker bus smashes into bridge in Manchester - leaving one passenger fighting for their life and 14 others injured
Three of the 15 injured in the horror smash, which occurred in Greater Manchester yesterday at around 3pm, have sustained serious injuries, with one person said to be in a critical condition.
The bus had been travelling towards the junction of Barton Road and Trafford Road in Eccles, Salford, when it ploughed into the bridge.
However, the Transport Comissioner for Greater Manchester, Vernon Everitt, confirmed an 'immediate and urgent' probe had been launched after it came to light that the bus was not on its usual route at the time of the crash.
Shocking footage of the impact shows the roof of the No.100 service being torn straight off as it attempted to pass under the bridge which stands at just 11ft 6 inches high.
Distressed bypassers in their vehicles were seen quickly slamming the brakes, likely in disbelief at what they had just witnessed, as the large yellow bus left a trail of scattered glass and the roof in its wake.
Locals and witnesses also ran out of their houses and up the street where the crash occurred in an attempt to catch up with the bus which ground to a halt after the disastrous incident.
It prompted a massive emergency response in which ten ambulances, specialist medics and an air ambulance were deployed.
All 15 injured were rushed to Salford Royal and Manchester Royal Infirmary hospitals.
One witness told Manchester Evening News that they heard 'screaming coming from the top of the bus'.
A local added: 'I was shocked but not surprised as this is the third time this has happened. Another bus and a lorry have done it. You feel for the people on the bus.'
The bridge has become somewhat of an accident hotspot in recent times, with separate instances in June 2020 and December 2023 seeing the roofs of two double deckers severely damaged as drivers smashed into it.
A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) yesterday confirmed a formal investigation had been launched into why the bus was 'off route'.
The bus typically departs from Shudehill and travels to Salford, Trafford Centre and Warrington, but TfGM said it was 'not on its usual route at the time of the collision'
Mr Everitt added: 'First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone on board the bus. Our absolute focus has been on supporting emergency services in their response, with some people treated at the scene and some taken to hospital.
'An immediate and urgent investigation into the circumstances is underway and we are working closely with the investigation team at Greater Manchester Police and the bus operator, Stagecoach.
'This is clearly a distressing situation for everyone involved and we'd like to thank emergency services for their swift response.'
The crash prompted such widespread concern that Northwest Ambulance Service declared a 'major incident' after being called to the scene.
They said yesterday: 'The trust dispatched a number of resources, including ten emergency ambulances, advanced paramedics, our Hazard Area Response Team (HART) and colleagues from North West Air Ambulance. The first resource arrived on time at 15.10.
'NWAS treated 15 patients who were all taken to Salford Royal or Manchester Royal Infirmary hospitals.
'At 16:22 NWAS stood down from major incident status but continues to remain on scene'
Greater Manchester Police also said were on the site yesterday as part of the massive emergency response operation that descended on the scene.
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