An elderly woman has been injured after a Metrolink tram collided with a car in Greater Manchester today. Emergency services were called to Lord Sheldon Way in Ashton-under-Lyne at around 1.15pm following reports of a crash involving a Volkswagen vehicle and a Metrolink tram on the Ashton line.
Emergency response and witness account
Police, firefighters, paramedics and Metrolink staff were deployed to the scene, near to the Lord Sheldon Arms pub and Notcutts garden centre. The elderly woman was reportedly treated at the scene.
One witness told the Manchester Evening News: "No one can get out. The tram is blocking the entire entrance. There's no other exit route. If there's a fire, the fire engine won't be able to get down to Notcutts or the pub."
"Police are in attendance now and three ambulances. People are injured on the tram and are being taken off by ambulance men. It's a terrible situation," the witness added.
Official statements and service disruption
A GMP spokesperson said: "We received a call at around 1.20pm reporting a road traffic collision between a car and a tram on Lord Sheldon Way, Ashton. Emergency services attended and an elderly woman was treated by ambulance crew at the scene." A report of a traffic offence has been made.
Trams between Velopark and Ashton were suspended in response to the incident, while traffic built up on the M60 near junction 23. The line closure affected Manchester City fans travelling to today's 3pm Premier League match against Ipswich Town at the Etihad.
In a post on X the Bee Network said: "Due to a road traffic accident, there is currently no service between Velopark and Ashton. Ticket acceptance is in place on 7, 53, 171, 172, 216, 219, 220, 221, 230, 231 Bee Network bus services."
"If any fans have parked up at Ashton West or Ashton Moss Park & Ride, please board the 216 bus service to travel towards the Etihad Stadium," the post continued.
Service restoration and fire service response
In a later post Bee Network said: "UPDATE: Tram services are now operating again on the Ashton line, with delays. Ticket acceptance on selected Bee Network buses will remain in place until 3pm. We're sorry for any disruption to your journey today."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "Shortly after 1.40pm this afternoon one fire engine from Ashton Community Fire Station was called to attend a road traffic collision involving a car and a tram on Lord Sheldon Way, Ashton-Under-Lyne."
"Firefighters are currently working alongside Metrolink staff and Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe. Crews remain in attendance at this time," the spokesperson added.
