At least three people have been seriously injured following the collision
Emergency services remain at the scene(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The roof of a double decker bus has been ripped off after colliding with a bridge in Eccles – leaving fifteen people in hospital and at least three seriously injured. Emergency services remain at the scene of the crash, which took place at the junction of Barton Road and Trafford Road.
Taking place at around 3pm this afternoon (Monday, July 21), it was initially declared as a major incident but has since been stood down.
Pictures show firefighters at the scene, with one crew member atop the 100 bus, which departs from Shudehill and travels to Salford, Trafford Centre and Warrington.
According to witnesses, an air ambulance also attended the incident.
An eyewitness told the Manchester Evening News: “I just heard the sirens from the ambulances. Then when three came I knew something serious was going on.
“I saw a woman waving paramedics to the scene. I came out and I could see the bus roof on the floor.
Image of the bus, which appears to read 100 on the front, following the crash
“There was a person on the floor next to it and they were being treated. Then all the other emergency services started arriving. Fire engines, unmarked police cars.
“There were two air ambulances that came. I’m not sure where they landed. I felt a bit sick. I knew people were injured but I was just praying it wasn’t serious.
“But you’d imagine there would be a fair few people on the bus at that time.”
A resident on Barton Lane, who was laying on her bed and heard a helicopter flying above, said: “I thought ‘what’s going on?’ so I came out and there was ambulances and police cars just flying down the road.
“You could see the bus straight away. I believe it was coming through from the Trafford side and it looks like it’s come right through.
“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.”
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We are currently responding to a collision between a bus and a bridge at the junction of Barton Road and Trafford Road in Eccles. Emergency services are currently on scene as part of the ongoing work. Please avoid the area as road closures are currently in place.”
A spokesperson for NWAS said: “At 15.06 North West Ambulance Service received a call in relation to a bus collision on Barton Lane, Eccles, and declared a major incident shortly afterwards.
“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.
“The area is very busy, with road closures in place; please follow @GMPSalford for the latest traffic updates.”
A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said: “Shortly after 3.10pm we received reports of a double-decker bus colliding with a bridge on Barton Lane in Eccles.
“The bus was a 100 service and in operation at the time of the collision. Emergency services are at the scene, with reports of several injured passengers.
“Our absolute priority right now is supporting the emergency response and the people who were on board.”
Bus users have been warned of delays and told that their tickets will be accepted on trams. Bee Network said on X: “Due to an ongoing Police incident on Barton Lane, there are currently a number of bus services on diversion and delays of around 30 minutes.
“Ticket acceptance is in place on Eccles and Trafford Park tram services. Please show your bus ticket to Metrolink Inspectors if required.
Some bus services are currently on diversion due to the incident, with the following routes impacted: 20, 21, 22. 248, X50, 52 and 66.
More information can be found here.