A bus driver has been arrested and bailed after a double-decker bus struck a low-level aqueduct in Eccles, Greater Manchester, tearing off its roof. The incident occurred on Barton Lane at about 3pm on Monday when the number 100 Bee Network bus hit the Bridgewater Canal aqueduct.
Police said the bus had deviated from its expected route and the driver failed to heed height restriction warnings, including hanging chains and signage. The roof of the upper deck was ripped off, ejecting a member of the public.
Three people suffered serious injuries: a 19-year-old woman, a man in his 20s, and another in his 40s. They remain in hospital in a stable condition. Another 17 people were treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver, a man in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and has been bailed pending further inquiries. Police are appealing for witnesses and any footage, including dashcam, mobile phone, or doorbell footage, from the area before the collision.
Transport for Greater Manchester said it is conducting an urgent investigation alongside Greater Manchester Police and bus operator Stagecoach. Transport commissioner Vernon Everitt described the incident as distressing and thanked emergency services for their swift response.
