50 passengers were on board a First V1 double-decker bus which fatally collided with a 76-year-old woman on the busy East Lancs Road in Swinton.
The victim, who has not yet been formally identified, suffered severe and fatal injuries in Wednesday’s collison despite the best efforts of the North West Ambulance Service.
Four teams of paramedics were scrambled to the A580, near the junction with Eccles Road heading towards Leigh from Manchester at 6pm on Wednesday 20 July.
The woman was sadly pronounced dead in hospital just an hour and a half later.
Police made no arrests.
First Manchester said the bus driver was devastated by the incident and was being supported by colleagues.
None of the 50 passengers were hurt.
Commenting on the incident, Adrian Worsfold, Director of Operations at First Manchester said: “I am shocked and saddened by what has happened. My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident.
“I would like to thank the emergency services and colleagues for all they have done in difficult circumstances.
“At this time we don’t know the exact cause of the incident and we will work closely with the emergency services as part of our investigation.”
Traffic units shut the busy road which reopened at 8.30pm. Buses were diverted via Irlam O’ the Heights roundabout and Worsley Road.
The accident had multiple eyewitnesses both on the street and in the driving traffic around the bus.
Police are still appealing for people in the local area at the time to come forward and make a statement or call 0161 856 4741.
Many drivers slowed to a stop on the opposite carriageway such was the severity of the accident.
The bus front window was completely smashed in the collision.
One extremely shaken eyewitness said she saw the victim crossing the road through stationary traffic, waving the drivers for letting her pass, but had not considered the bus lane, stepping into it when the bus was passing.
Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Unit, based at Eccles police station, are continuing to investigate but have not yet released any operational or investigative updates.
Traffic units closed the East Lancs Road on Wednesday evening between Lancaster Road and Worsley Road as Forensic Collision Reconstruction officers worked to recover evidence from the crash site.
Councillor Richard Critchley, who represents Walkden, said: “The news of this tragic accident has come as a terrible shock.
“Many people will be deeply saddened to hear of this incident.
“My sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this lady.”
The woman has not been formally identified but her next of kin have been informed.
All images by Sidshots Photography
