An investigation has been launched to find out why a bus that crashed and injured 15 people was not following its usual route.
Emergency services declared a major incident after a double-decker bus had its roof ripped off after crashing into a bridge in Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police said they were responding to a collision between a bus and a bridge at the junction of Barton Road and Trafford Road in Eccles around 3pm on Monday.
“Emergency services are currently on scene as part of the ongoing work. Please avoid the area as road closures are currently in place.”
At least 15 people were injured, North West Ambulance Service said. Paramedics were called around 3 pm, and a major incident was declared shortly afterwards.
Footage on social media shows the yellow double-decker bus hitting a bridge with a 3.5m height limit signposted on it.
Barton Lane, Eccles is currently closed both ways due to a bridge strike by a bus. The road will remain closed until the Ports Authority can attend and assess / repair any damage. Please avoid and plan an alternative route as there may be subsequent local delays. (Post: 2145hrs) pic.twitter.com/UHP3dgmnuJ
— GMP Traffic (@gmptraffic) April 10, 2023
Some 10 emergency ambulances, advanced paramedics, the Hazard Area Response Team (HART) and colleagues from North West Air Ambulance attended the scene. Patients were taken to Salford Royal and Manchester Royal Infirmary hospitals.
The road has now been reopened, and Transport for Greater Manchester confirmed the bus was a 100 service and was in operation at the time of the incident.
Vernon Everitt, Transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, said an "immediate and urgent" investigation had been launched to find out why the bus was not on its usual route.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone on board the bus,” he said.
“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.”
Police responded to a similar incident in which a double decker bus crashed into the bridge on Eccles Lane back in April 2023.
