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
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
17th October 2023 
