Manchester crash: Driver arrested after bus smashes into city centre shop as 12 injured

A bus driver has been arrested after a bus crashed into a shop in Manchester’s city centre, leaving a dozen people injured.

The 64-year-old driver was detained on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Among the wounded was a woman who is in a critical condition and receiving treatment in hospital.

The other people injured are believed to be stable with minor injuries.

It is understood the 12 are pedestrians and passengers on the bus.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were present at the incident in Piccadilly Gardens, as road collision investigators continue to work at the scene.

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service confirmed earlier that there were “a number of casualties”.

Photos from the scene show the pavement cordoned off with the bus’s front end inside a bubble tea shop called T4.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “At around 1pm today, police were called to reports of a collision involving a bus and a shop in Piccadilly Gardens.

“Police alongside colleagues in the North West 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.”

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Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said that two fire engines were sent to the incident on Parker Street in Manchester city centre.

“Crews remain in attendance”, it added.

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said it sent “four ambulances, two senior paramedics, a cycle responder, an operations manager and the Hazardous Area Response Team” to the scene.

A spokesperson for T4 UK Franchise Ltd, said: “T4 UK has today been informed of the bus crash at our newly-opened Manchester store.

“Firstly, we want to wish all of those involved in the crash a speedy recovery, we look forward to welcoming them to our store once fully recovered.

“We will remain closed until we are able to get the store back up on its feet. All staff members are okay although shaken up.”