Eccles Bus Crash: Double-Decker Smashes into Bridge in Manchester, Dozens Injured
A horrifying Eccles bus crash has left 15 people hospitalised after a double-decker collided with a low railway bridge on Monday afternoon, tearing its roof clean off.
The crash occurred just after 3pm at the junction of Barton Road and Trafford Road in Eccles. A doorbell camera captured the chilling moment the Stagecoach-operated bus struck the 11ft 6in bridge, sending metal, glass, and other debris flying across the road. Passengers on the top deck were seen ducking in panic.
Emergency services declared a major incident within minutes. Ten ambulances, paramedics, police units and an air ambulance swarmed the scene. The major incident status was lifted just over an hour later at 4.22pm.
Authorities have since confirmed that one passenger is in critical condition, while two others sustained serious injuries. Most of the injured were rushed to Salford Royal and Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Greater Manchester Police have closed nearby roads and are urging locals to steer clear of the area as investigations continue.
“This was not the bus’s regular route,” officials confirmed late Monday, a detail that raises further concerns about route planning and navigation systems in public transport.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone on board the bus. Our absolute focus has been on supporting emergency services in their response, with some people treated at the scene and some taken to hospital,” said Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester.
“An immediate and urgent investigation into the circumstances is underway, and we are working closely with the investigation team at Greater Manchester Police and the bus operator, Stagecoach.”
Locals, many visibly shaken, described scenes of chaos and horror. “I could just hear screaming coming from the top of the bus,” one witness told the Manchester Evening News.
School bus crash in Eccles Salford this afternoon . Distressing pic.twitter.com/niy0pOagEk
— MBK (@kiernanmb) July 21, 2025
“It was horrific, I’m still in shock,” said Stacey Morley, who lives nearby. “I just feel sorry for the people and their families.”
This is not the first time such a crash has occurred at the same bridge. Locals say it’s a recurring issue — one that needs urgent attention.
“It’s the third or fourth time I’ve seen this,” Morley added. “Another bus and even a lorry have hit it before.”
Eyewitness Szymon Hundz told the BBC that his girlfriend saw people fall from the top deck.
“It was a really loud explosion sound,” he said. “We rushed down to bring chairs and water and stuff for people. We were trying to find any medical supplies from the neighbours while paramedics weren’t there.”
“One guy had a seizure. There were lots of people with bleeding heads.”
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed that the collision was reported at 3.06pm. Their teams were on scene within minutes.
“North West Ambulance Service treated 15 patients, who were all taken to Salford Royal or Manchester Royal Infirmary hospitals,” a spokesman said.
The bridge, notorious among residents, has become a trouble spot. In 2023, another double-decker crashed here, and in 2020, three were injured in a similar incident.
Transport for Greater Manchester confirmed the bus involved was running the 100 service at the time. “Our absolute priority right now is supporting the emergency response and the people who were on board,” a TfGM spokesman added.
This Eccles bus crash has once again raised concerns over infrastructure warnings and vehicle routing systems in the UK. Local leaders and residents are now demanding long-term solutions to prevent further incidents.
