Bus driver arrested with woman fighting for her life after Piccadilly Gardens crash - full police statement

The driver of a bus which crashed into a shop in Piccadilly Gardens has been arrested as a woman fights for her life in hospital.

A 64-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, according to Greater Manchester Police. Nearly a dozen other people are said to be in a stable condition with minor injuries.

The incident sparked a huge emergency service presence with pictures from the scene showing the front end of the bus wedged in the facade of the T4 Bubble Tea shop on the ground floor.

Full Greater Manchester Police statement after Piccadilly Gardens crash

Issued at just after 5.30pm on Monday, GMP said: "At around 1pm today (Monday 16 October 2023), officers responded to reports of a road traffic collision involving a bus which collided with a shop in Piccadilly Gardens.

"Emergency services attended the scene, and it has been established that 12 people have been injured as a result with one woman in a life-threatening condition and is receiving treatment at hospital. Others involved are believed to be in a stable condition with minor injuries.

"The driver, a 64-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

"Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are continuing to investigate and are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information that may help with enquiries, including footage filmed, is asked to call 0161 856 474 quoting incident 1673 of 16/10/2023."

Full North West Ambulance Service statement

Issued at around 5pm on Monday, NWAS said: "At around 13.15 this afternoon, we responded to a bus crash near Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester.

"Four ambulances, two senior paramedics, a cycle responder, an operational commander and the Hazardous Area Response Team responded to the scene after it was reported the vehicle had driven into a building.

"One patient with serious injuries was quickly conveyed to hospital. Ten others were assessed, with nine taken to hospital. We wish all those involved a full and swift recovery."

Metrolink and buses

Having been closed to buses after the incident on Monday, they were running again as of 4.30am on Tuesday. Metrolink trams are also stopping in Piccadilly Gardens again.