Number injured in Rochdale Road bus crash rises to 17

The number of people confirmed to have been injured in a bus crash on Rochdale Road has risen to 17 according to new figures from the North West Ambulance Service. Previous figures from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service had put this at 13, but the figure has now risen to 17 people.

An air ambulance was dispatched to the scene this morning after two double decker buses collided on Rochdale Road not far from the city centre. Images from the scene showed passengers being evacuated from the buses.

One of the vehicles sustained damage to the front, while the other saw damage to the back. Eyewitnesses reported seeing people being put into ambulances following the crash.

READ MORE: LIVE: 17 in hospital following serious bus crash on edge of Manchester city centre

Debris was strewn over the road as emergency services swarmed the scene. 17 people have been confirmed to have been taken to hospital following the crash.

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance service said: “Nine ambulances, an air ambulance, two response vehicles, an advanced paramedic, and an operational commander attended the scene following reports of a bus crash on Rochdale Road, Manchester, at 08.34.

“17 patients were taken to hospitals across Manchester, including seven on a bus accompanied by a paramedic. No one suffered serious injuries.”

TfGM’s Director of Bus, Stephen Rhodes, told the MEN: “This morning at around 8.30am there was a collision involving two Bee Network buses in Manchester near the junction of Rochdale Road and Livesey Street. We are liaising with emergency services and want to wish any passengers who have been injured a speedy recovery.

“The road is currently closed and buses in the area are being diverted. Please check the Bee Network website for more information. If you are travelling in the area please plan ahead as we are expecting a busy weekend in the city centre with the Christmas markets beginning.”