A bus has smashed into a shop on a busy street in Manchester, with shocked witnesses reporting multiple people being taken away on stretchers.
Onlookers have described the terrifying scenes unfolding in Piccadilly Gardens this afternoon after a bus smashed into the T4 bubble tea cafe in the City Tower building at 1.15pm this afternoon.
Two people are thought to have been injured, but it is not yet known how serious the casualties are, according to Greater Manchester Police.
Witnesses said multiple people were carried from the scene on stretchers, with an employee at the Turkish bakery next door telling the Manchester Evening News: “I was working at the till and just heard a big noise.
“I went outside and the bus had crashed into T4, the bubble tea shop next door.
“I think there were a few people injured, people outside the shop, pedestrians.
“I think the people inside T4 are OK. I’ve seen three or four people on stretchers.”
One onlooker shared on X: “One of the most horrible scenes I’ve witnessed, really praying everybody involved in the incident at Piccadilly gardens are okay and pull through my heart goes out to all involved.”
Next to T4, a manager, who has asked to remain anonymous, was working at Tutzys Central & Vape Central when she heard an explosive sound.
“We thought it was an earthquake – Everything was shaking,” she told The Independent.
Northwest Ambulance Service told the Independent that a “number of casualties” have been taken to hospital, although the extent of their injuries is not yet known.
They took thirty 999 calls regarding the crash and four ambulances, two senior paramedics, and the hazardous areas response team currently remain at the scene.https://d-35401102673175331669.ampproject.net/2309290141000/frame.html
Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 1pm today (Monday 16 October) police were called to reports of a collision involving a bus and a shop in Piccadilly Gardens.
“Police alongside colleagues in the Northwest Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue have been in attendance.
“There are road closures in the area whilst emergency services remain at the scene dealing with the collision and officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are in attendance.
“We would ask members of the public to avoid the area where possible whilst officers establish the full circumstances.”
The police have said they are not treating the incident as terror related and have reported two casualties.
The police told the BBC that those injured are thought to be pedestrians.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 1:15pm today, two fire engines from Manchester Central and Salford fire stations as well as the technical response unit from Ashton fire station were called to an incident on Parker Street. Crews remain in attendance.”
Piccadilly Gardens Bus Station has closed and Manchester City Council have advised on alternative routes travellers can take.