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Family of ‘well-loved’ woman who died in Piccadilly Gardens bus crash pay tribute

"She was well-loved, our matriarch, and her presence will be hugely missed."

Emily Sergeant - 17th October 2023

The family of a woman who sadly lost her life when a bus crashed in Piccadilly Gardens yesterday have paid tribute to her.

Following what was a truly shocking and distressing incident for all involved yesterday afternoon, in which a bus crashed into the front of a newly-opened cafe in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that a woman who was left critically-injured has now sadly passed away.

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.

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 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.

Read more:

• A bus has crashed into the the front of cafe in Piccadilly Gardens
• Local firefighters raise thousands for The Christie after completing the Manchester half marathon in full gear
• ‘Brave soles’ can still sign up for this charity firewalk event in Manchester next month

“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