A peaceful Saturday morning in Manchester was shattered by a violent crash involving two double-decker buses, leaving 17 people injured. The incident, which occurred just before 8:30 AM on November 9, unfolded on Rochdale Road, a major route leading into the city center, and quickly escalated into a scene of chaos, with emergency services racing to the scene.
A Shocking Wake-Up Call for Residents
For local residents, including Harry Yearsley and his partner, the crash came as a terrifying surprise. The couple, who were still in bed at the time, were woken by what Harry described as “the biggest bang they’d ever heard.”
“We were fast asleep when the noise just woke us up,” Harry told the Manchester Evening. “We knew immediately it was something serious. It was a huge bang, like nothing we’ve ever heard before.”
The sound of sirens filled the air as they hurried to dress. In only a few minutes, police, firemen, and paramedics rushed to their aid, filling the street outside their house with flashing lights. Harry recounted, “We started to get dressed, and by the time we were outside, there were police cars and ambulances everywhere.” Everything was taking place just outside our door.
The Collision: A Horrific Scene Unfolds
The collision, which took place at the junction of Rochdale Road and Livesey Street, involved two buses from Manchester’s Bee Network. Initial reports indicated that one bus had crashed into the back of another, causing a violent chain reaction. The force of the crash resulted in one of the buses being forced off the road, with the front vehicle significantly damaged.
Photos taken at the site reveal the glass strewn all over the road and the front of the second bus crumpled. The first bus’s back was also severely damaged. Witnesses reported seeing people trapped in the wreckage and a sight of complete devastation. Firefighters toiled diligently to free people still trapped within the busses, saving one woman from the upper deck.
As the first responders worked to clear the wreckage, passengers, many of whom were shaken but able to move, climbed out of the damaged buses. Firefighters were on the scene within minutes, cutting through the twisted metal and debris to ensure that no one was left behind.
Emergency Response: A Swift and Coordinated Effort
Emergency services were quick to respond, with the North West Ambulance Service dispatching nine ambulances, an air ambulance, two response vehicles, and an advanced paramedic to the scene. The severity of the crash led to the activation of the air ambulance, which hovered overhead, ready to assist in evacuating the most seriously injured individuals.
The fire service confirmed that 17 people were transported to hospitals around Manchester for treatment, although authorities later clarified that none of the injuries were life-threatening or “serious.” In total, 13 people were initially reported as injured, but this number was later revised to 17 following further assessments at the scene.
“We’ve been told that all the injuries appear to be relatively minor, but it was still a terrifying incident for everyone involved,” said a spokesperson from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. “One person had to be rescued from the upper deck of the bus, but everyone else managed to get out of the wreckage with the help of emergency services.”
The air ambulance has left the scene.
Fire engines, ambulances and police remain within the cordon which covers most of Piccadilly Gardens.
It follows a bus and tram collision earlier today. pic.twitter.com/SXnrc8gO11
— Hits Radio News | Manchester (@hitsmcrnews) October 18, 2024Despite the injuries, local authorities were quick to reassure the public that no one sustained life-threatening wounds, and the majority of casualties were treated for less severe injuries such as cuts, bruises, and shock.
A Close Call: The Devastating Impact on Passengers
Although no one was seriously hurt, the crash was a traumatic experience for those on board the buses. One witness, who had been on the second bus, described the scene as “utter chaos.” “The crash happened so fast, and we were all thrown forward. It felt like the whole bus just collapsed. There was glass everywhere, and people were screaming.”
The force of the impact caused significant structural damage to both buses. The front vehicle was pushed sideways and slammed into a metal fence, while the rear bus suffered extensive damage, particularly to its front section. As one of the buses came to a halt, it left behind a trail of debris scattered across the road, including shattered glass and pieces of twisted metal.
The Aftermath: Road Closures and Traffic Delays
In the aftermath of the collision, emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and make the area safe. As a result, Rochdale Road was closed for several hours, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Both buses were towed away by recovery vehicles, and the road was eventually reopened by midday.
Greater Manchester Police imposed road closures and urged motorists to find alternative routes, as the area around the crash site was expected to remain busy. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) also issued a travel advisory, warning that public transport services in the area would be diverted and delays were likely. They reminded commuters to plan ahead, especially with the Christmas markets set to open in the city center that weekend.
A Message of Support and Recovery
Transport for Greater Manchester’s bus director, Stephen Rhodes, expressed his worry for the wounded passengers in a statement after the collision. “We are providing all the assistance we can and are collaborating closely with emergency services,” he added. We wish the injured people a quick recovery and send our condolences to them.
In the aftermath of the crash, local authorities have vowed to carry out a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Although the circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, the event has left many residents shaken and reminded the city of the risks faced on the roads.
Even though the collision on Rochdale Road might have been far worse, everyone concerned is relieved that no fatalities were recorded. More tragedy was definitely avoided thanks to the emergency services’ quick response and the courageous actions of individuals who assisted in rescuing passengers from the wreckage. The horrifying sound of that “loud bang” will, nevertheless, linger in the minds of many for a while.
The community continues to rally behind those impacted as Manchester bounces back after the incident. Helping those hurt and making sure the city’s highways are safe for everyone are the top priorities for the time being as authorities try to figure out what caused this tragic event.
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