Nine injured after double-decker bus crashes into bridge in Rochdale

Five people taken to hospital after collision

The roof of the bus was shorn off by the bridge (Manchester Evening News)

Several people have been injured after a double-decker bus crashed into a bridge in Greater Manchester.

Transport authorities confirmed a bus had crashed into a bridge near Richard Street, Rochdale, on Wednesday afternoon.

Five people were taken to hospital with one in a serious condition, paramedics told The Independent.

Images from the scene showed the roof of the bus had been shorn off as it passed under the bridge.

Several ambulances were on site and paramedics could be seen tending to the wounded.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called to Station Road at 2.11pm.

“We’ve attended with three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and an advanced paramedic.

“There are nine patients involved altogether.

“It’s a collision involving a bus and a bridge.

“Five patients were taken to hospital.”

One of the injured had a “significant leg injury”.

Richard Street and Station Street have been temporarily closed.

An investigation into the crash has been launched.

A spokesperson for Diamond Bus told the Manchester Evening News: “Diamond Bus can confirm one of our vehicles operating service 471 between Bolton and Rochdale has been involved in an incident with a bridge, which has resulted in a number of passengers sustaining injuries.

“We’ve immediately launched a full internal investigation to establish the circumstances that has led to this collision and are assisting Greater Manchester police with their enquiries.

“Everyone at Diamond Bus North West is shocked by this incident and our thoughts are with the injured passengers.

“All injured parties have been taken to hospital but we have no updates as yet.”