Firefighters cut roof off bus after it crashes into trees in Chorlton

Firefighters had to slice the roof off a double-decker bus after it crashed into a tree in south Manchester.

Photographs show the Stagecoach bus on Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, with fire crews onboard the top deck. 

The road was shut in both directions between Edge Lane and Oswald Road.

No serious injuries were reported, but residents said they could not believe the passengers escaped unscathed.

One resident said she heard a "loud ripping noise" and rushed to the window to see the bus' roof "hanging off the back".

She said: "It had literally just happened. The roof was hanging off the back and people were taking photographs.

"People were still on the upper deck and gradually coming down. They were obviously still in shock. People didn't move for quite a while. There was no screaming or shouting."

The woman said shortly after the crash she saw another Stagecoach bus come to a stop nearby and the driver 'jump out’ before running over to see if he could help.Referring to the driver, she added: “I just kept thinking ‘you poor thing’, what a way to start your day and all that responsibility on your shoulders."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 8am this morning one fire engine from Stretford fire station attended a crash involving a bus and a tree on Wilbraham Road, Chorlton.

"Firefighters have removed the roof from the bus and have assisted colleagues from Greater Manchester Police in making the scene safe. Crews remain in attendance."

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to reports of a collision on Wilbraham Road in Manchester at around 7:50am this morning, 2 February 2024, where a bus collided with a tree."

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