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.
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#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.
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“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.
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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
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
17th October 2023 
