Passengers suffer injuries after bus collides with bridge

Double decker bus collided with the Milkstone Road railway bridge

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A number of passengers have been injured after a double decker bus collided with the Milkstone Road railway bridge this afternoon (Wednesday 9 September).

North West Ambulance Service has confirmed that 17 patients were treated in total, of these 11 were taken to hospital by ambulance, five were treated and discharged at the scene and one self-presented at hospital.

All patients are believed to have minor injuries, except one man in his 20s who has sustained more serious facial injuries.

Milkstone Road is currently closed and drivers are advised to avoid the area.

The bus collided with the bridge at at around 12.30pm and the roof had completely come off of the bus.

Fire crews, ambulance crews and police are in attendance at the scene.

The operator of the bus involved in the incident was First Manchester. Commenting on the incident, Teresa Broxton, Managing Director of First Manchester said: "At this time our primary focus is to assist customers and staff involved. Staff from First in Manchester are providing support to the emergency services at the scene. We will provide whatever additional resources we can."

Inspector Stephen Clarke, from GMP Rochdale Division, said: “We are working closely with the emergency services to deal with all the passengers who have been involved in this incident and ensure they are all receiving the appropriate treatment.

“Clearly there are lots of people in shock but luckily no one was trapped on the bus.

“Our investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing and we would encourage anyone with any information to get in touch.

“Obviously there will be traffic congestion in the area for the next few hours, and we would encourage all traffic to avoid the area where possible.”

Anyone with any information is encouraged to call police in Rochdale 0161 856 8473.