A bus has crashed into a cafe and a row of shops on the ground floor of the City Tower building at Piccadilly Gardens bus station in Manchester city centre.
The incident occurred around 1:20pm on Monday, 16 October and the bus station has now been closed off to the public, with the nearby tram stop also now shut.
A large number of emergency responders including police, paramedics and firefighters are on the scene of the crash behind a black screen working as the crash is said to have resulted in at least two people being taken to hospital and potentially more injured after the bus collided with multiple shop fronts.
A white tent was also erected but has since been taken down and those seriously hurt have now been rushed to hospital for further treatment. The BBC understands that those caught in the accident were pedestrians outside the building.
As you can see, the bus is still firmly lodged in the building. (Credit: @skylinermcr via Twitter)/The Manc Group)
While the exact cause of the crash is still yet to be confirmed, the single-decker vehicle is yet to be removed from the building and an eye-witness told the MEN that “there was glass smashed everywhere and the driver was still revving” at the collision.
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The bus involved in the incident is said to be the X50 Diamond Bus which runs between Piccadilly Gardens and the Trafford Centre. The units which the bus crashed into look to be T4 Bubble Tea cafe and two adjacent shops including a branch of Greggs.
Greater Manchester Police have since issued a statement addressing the incident, confirming that “police alongside colleagues in the Northwest Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue have been in attendance.
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“There are road closures in the area whilst emergency services remain at the scene dealing with the collision and officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are in attendance.”
The current scenes at Piccadilly Gardens station after the bus crash (Credit: The Manc Group)
As you can see above, the area is still heavily cordoned off and transport links are being diverted. Commuters can expect significant travel disruptions for the foreseeable.
GMP went on to add, “We would ask members of the public to avoid the area where possible whilst officers establish the full circumstances.”
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As for the travel links, the area remains closed and alternative stops are being used for both buses and Metrolink trams which are now part of the centralised Bee Network public transport system.
Featured Image — @skylinermcr (via Twitter)/The Manc Group
News
Man jailed after robbing and throwing hot coffee over elderly man in Piccadilly Gardens
Emily Sergeant
A man who robbed an elderly man in Piccadilly Gardens earlier this year, leaving him “disoriented”, has now been jailed.
Simon Quest appeared on trial at Bolton Crown Court this week.
The court heard how, on Thursday 6 June 2024, the 37-year-old robbed a man while he was walking through Piccadilly Gardens by following the victim on his bike, throwing a cup of coffee over him which caused him to fall over, and then proceeding to rummage through the victim’s pockets.
Quest managed to steal the victim’s phone before fleeing the area, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained.
Following this shocking incident, a police investigation was launched by detectives within GMP’s ‘Operation Vulcan’ team, and a short while later, Quest was then arrested in Piccadilly Gardens – with police recovering bolt cutters, Mercedes wheel locks, and a man bag from him.
#JAILED | Robber found guilty at trial within 18 minutes following Operation Vulcan investigation
Simon Quest (08/05/1987) of no fixed abode has been jailed for four years and six months for robbery.
“I’d like to thank the members of the public who rushed to help the victim but also stayed at the scene to share witness statements with us, as their assistance and continued support have been crucial to securing this conviction.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
A Manchester City fan has died after a medical incident at Manchester derby
Daisy Jackson
A Manchester City fan has tragically passed away after a medical incident at the Manchester derby yesterday.
The club has confirmed that one of the club’s supporters died after collapsing during the match against Manchester United.
They wrote: “Manchester City are aware of the tragic news that one of our supporters passed away following a medical incident at yesterday’s match.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Man City and Manchester United faced off at the Etihad Stadium yesterday, with Man United eventually taking the win thanks to a 90th-minute goal by Amad Diallo.
An eyewitness told theManchester Evening News they saw the fan being administered CPR at around 4:10pm.
People have been leaving tributes to the Manchester City fan, who has not yet been named, online.
One person wrote: “RIP that city fan. No one should go to a football match and not come home again. RIP”
Another said: “An important reminder amongst all the squabbling over yesterday’s result is that the football isn’t everything. Thoughts are with his family, RIP blue.”
Someone else posted: “Rip blue. Thoughts are with your family and friends at this sad time.”
Danny Jones -
16th October 2023 
