It comes after a significant emergency response rushed to the scene in the city centre at around 1pm yesterday (16 October).
Several people were confirmed to have been injured during the incident, and were either treated at the scene or at hospital, while one pedestrian was taken to hospital with “serious injuries” which she later died from.
The pedestrian has now been named as Almena Amica, GMP confirmed.
#TRIBUTE | The family of Almena Amica, who has sadly died following the bus crash in Piccadilly Gardens yesterday (Monday 16 October), have paid tribute to her. They said: "Mena was dedicated to her family, friends and faith.
The family of the 77-year-old from south Manchester – who is affectionately known as Mena to family and friends – have also now paid tribute to her, describing her as a “well-loved matriarch” with a presence that will be hugely missed”.
In the tribute, as shared by GMP today, Almena’s family wrote: “Mena was dedicated to her family, friends and faith. She loved music, gardening, TV soaps and nature. She was the senior member of our family, the eldest sister and great-great-aunt.
“She was well-loved, our matriarch, and her presence will be hugely missed.”
The family also thanked “all the services and people who came to her aid” at the time of the incident, and has requested that their privacy be respected during their time of mourning – especially as Mena herself “was a private person”.
The bus driver has been arrested after dozens were injured during the shocking incident / Credit: Twitter (via @skylinermcr)
The latest on the Piccadilly Gardens bus crash
Greater Manchester Police has given the latest update on the ongoing situation.
It has been confirmed that 11 other people, both pedestrians and bus passengers, were either treated at the scene or in hospital for minor injuries.
The bus driver, a 64-year-old man, has been bailed on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after being arrested at the scene.
Speaking on the current investigation as it progresses, Sergeant Louise Warhurst, from GMP’s Serious Injury Collision Unit (SCIU), said: “This was a tragic incident witnessed by a lot of people in a busy area of the city centre.
“The investigation is progressing thanks to many calls with information received from the public.
“Anyone who has not yet spoken to officers but believes they are able to assist with enquiries should call 0161 856 4741 quoting log 1673 of 16/10/2023.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
‘Midweek mayhem’ predicted on roads as UK prepares for 13.9m summer holiday getaway journeys
Emily Sergeant
This year’s summer getaway is expected to see the biggest number of midweek car trips made since records began.
Now that schools across Greater Manchester, and the rest of the UK, have either or are soon to break up for the summer holidays in the coming days, latest data released by The RAC has revealed that drivers are planning a whopping 13.9m journeys on UK roads before this Thursday (24 July).
Figures suggest that two million trips are planned today (Tuesday 22 June) when the majority of schools in England break up, with another two million each on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 respectively.
According to the figures, a larger number of drivers than ever are expected to head off on holiday at some point during the week, rather than waiting until the weekend to get away.
An additional 5.6m journeys are likely at some point between Monday and Thursday, but drivers haven’t decided on the date yet.
13.9m summer holiday getaway journeys are predicted this week / Credit: Peter Trimming (via Geograph) | Pxfuel
Following the midweek surge, the ‘end of summer term’ getaway weekend will be classically busy, it is predicted, with 2.7 million journeys planned on ‘Frantic Friday’ (25 July), the largest number of journeys on a single day, three million, set to take place on Saturday 26 July, and an additional 2.7 million trips expected on Sunday 27 July.
Again, 4.6 million are planned some point throughout the weekend on dates not yet decided, bringing the total number of journeys over the full getaway week to 26.9 million.
Data from transport experts shows that the ‘midweek mayhem’ predicted will likely cause delays across many major routes, starting on Tuesday 22 July when most schools in England finish for summer.
Both the RAC and INRIX are advising those setting off at the weekend to travel as early or late as possible, because traffic is expected to be at its worst through the middle of the day.
UK drivers are being warned to prepare for ‘midweek mayhem’ / Credit: Mike Bird (via Pexels)
This means that anyone getting away on Friday or Sunday should try to start their trips before 10am or after 7pm, while Saturday drivers should consider heading out before 10am.
“Normally the weekend bears the brunt of getaway traffic, but this year we’re expecting ‘midweek mayhem’ as schools finish for summer,” commented RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, Nick Mullender.
“We typically see a peak on ‘Frantic Friday’ when holidaymakers share the roads with commuters heading home, but our figures indicate these trips will now be spread across several days with millions more weekday journeys planned.
“To avoid the worst of the traffic, travel outside peak times and steer well clear of morning and evening rush hours.”
Featured Image – Geograph
News
UK’s ‘most dangerous’ road near Greater Manchester to undergo £7.6m safety improvements
Emily Sergeant
Snake Pass, what is known as the UK’s ‘most dangerous’ road, has received £7.6 million in funding to improve its safety.
The infamous road connecting Manchester and Sheffield – which is said to be used by more than 30,000 vehicles each week – is the highest road in Derbyshire, and is known for including a series of steep bends, twists, and blind junctions, hence being given the nickname of the UK’s ‘most dangerous’ route.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has allocated £7.6 million from its ‘Safer Roads Fund’ to improve safety along the 23-mile stretch of the A57 between Glossop and Sheffield.
Snake Pass is also, sadly, known for its frequent collisions data – with records indicating that, between 2018 and 2023, there were five fatalities, 62 ‘serious;, and 102 slight collision casualties.
Historical records also suggest that landslips have taken place along the Snake Pass for decades, with road closures dating back at least 90 years.
‼️Today, @transportgovuk has awarded £7.6 million from the Safer Roads Fund, to make major safety improvements to the #A57#SnakePass. We’ll be using the money to introduce major safety improvements along a 23-mile stretch of the A57 between Glossop and Sheffield. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/IrpmJpDfXl
Proposed safety improvements to be carried out include the installation of up to 10 average speed camera sites along the route, with speed limit reminder signs, and the improving the junction of the A57 and Manor Park Road in Glossop by narrowing the road so it reduces the time it takes for pedestrians to cross.
More pedestrian crossings will be installed at the Dinting Vale viaduct to provide a safer walking route to the railway station
Advanced ‘road restraint’ safety barriers, which are designed to prevent motorcyclists sliding under existing safety barriers and reduce potential injuries, will also be installed, alongside anti-skid friction surfacing at bends and existing collisions sites to help minimise braking distances.
Snake Pass will be undergoing to undergo £7.6m safety improvements / Credit: Geograph (via Wikipedia Commons)
Councillor Charlotte Hill, who is the Cabinet Member for Potholes, Highways, and Transport at Derbyshire Council says Snake Pass is a ‘major tourist route’ and a ‘key economic connection’ for the North.
“We have already carried out a number of safety improvements along the route, but a more holistic solution is required to save lives and change road user attitudes and behaviour along this challenging stretch of road.
“Using our experience gained from similar challenging routes in the county, we will now be able to finalise our proposals for the Snake Pass, in readiness for a public consultation later this year.
Emily Sergeant -
17th October 2023 
