Fifteen hurt after double-decker bus hits bridge

The roof of a double-decker bus has been torn off after it struck a bridge

Fifteen people have been injured, one critically, as a double-decker bus had its roof torn off after striking a bridge.

The vehicle crashed at the junction of Barton Road and Trafford Road in Eccles, Salford, at about 15:00 BST, Greater Manchester Police said.

North West Ambulance Service said 15 people were treated at the scene and then taken to hospital. Three people have sustained serious injuries. One of them is in a critical condition.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said the bus was a 100 service in operation at the time of the crash.

Several passengers were taken to hospital after the crash with three seriously hurt

A large number of paramedics, including an air ambulance, attended the scene. Road closures are in place, with police advising people to avoid the area.

North West Ambulance Service said it had sent 10 emergency ambulances, its hazard response team and colleagues from North West Air Ambulance, with the first team arriving at 15.10.

"NWAS treated 15 patients who were all taken to Salford Royal or Manchester Royal Infirmary hospitals," it added.

A witness says several children were on the bus when it crashed

Stacey Morley, who lives next to the scene of the crash, said this was the "third or fourth time" she had seen a bus crash into the same canal bridge.

"It was horrific, I'm still in shock," she said.

"I just feel sorry for the people and their families."

Szymon Hundz said he and his girlfriend were in their flat overlooking the road at the time of the crash.

He said his girlfriend saw the bus go under the bridge and "two people fall out from the top floor onto the ground".

Mr Hundz said: "It was a really loud explosion sound.

"We rushed down to bring chairs and water and stuff for people, we were trying to find any medical supplies from the neighbours while paramedics weren't there."

He said he witnessed one man have a seizure after the crash, and "lots of people with bleeding heads".

Szymon Hundz says he rushed down to help the victims after the crash

Witness Josh Tyldesley said the roof of the bus had been "completely ripped off".

"I saw a woman or a man lying at the back of the bus," he said.

"I've never ever seen an emergency presence like it."

Josh Tyldesley says he saw someone lying on the road behind the bus

Another witness who lives in the area said seeing the crash and its aftermath was "really upsetting".

She said: "I've actually never seen anything like it in my life.

"[There were] lots of children on the bus, the bus is a mess."

The bus was operating on the 100 route at the time of the crash

Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester Vernon Everitt said an "immediate and urgent" investigation into how the crash happened was under way.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone on board the bus," he said.

"This is clearly a distressing situation for everyone involved and we'd like to thank emergency services for their swift response."

Paramedics, including air ambulance, are at the scene

A TfGM spokesperson earlier said it "had received reports of a double-decker bus colliding with a bridge on Barton Road in Eccles".

"The bus was a 100 service and in operation at the time of the collision," they said.

"Our absolute priority right now is supporting the emergency response and the people who were on board."

A bus has previously had its roof ripped off after striking the same bridge in April 2023.