A man in his 80s is in a critical condition in hospital after a serious crash involving a bus and a cyclist on Deansgate in Manchester city centre. Greater Manchester Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward following the collision.
The crash happened at around 12.30pm on Monday (November 2) at the junction with Bridge Street. Emergency services, including police and paramedics, responded and a stretch of the busy street was cordoned off while investigations were carried out.
Cyclist Suffered Life-Threatening Injuries
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson has confirmed that the cyclist, a man aged in his 80s, suffered life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to hospital from the scene and remains there in a critical condition.
No arrests have been made in connection with the crash. Drivers were urged to avoid the area yesterday afternoon as investigations were carried out within the cordon.
Witness Describes 'Loud Bang'
A worker at a nearby business told the M.E.N he heard a 'loud bang' before turning around and seeing the cyclist, who he said didn't appear to be wearing a helmet, on the ground. "He wasn't moving. Straight away I said, 'That's bad, that's really bad,'" the witness, who wanted to remain anonymous, said.
"I didn't go over as there were lots of people who went over to help him," he continued. "There was enough. Some of them were helping to divert the traffic until the police arrived. The police and paramedics were here within a couple of minutes. I have never seen them so fast. They cordoned the whole area off."
He said the bus was turning right from Deansgate onto Bridge Street at the time of the collision. A double-decker Bee Network branded bus could be seen parked next to the cordon on Bridge Street, whilst a bike could be seen lying on its side inside the cordon next to what appeared to be some items of clothing.
Bus Services Diverted
A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said yesterday they were 'aware of the collision between the bus and cyclist'. Some bus services were diverted amid the closure, the spokesperson added.
"I hope he will be alright," the witness said of the cyclist. "It was bad, just so obviously bad. I am really sad. It was not a nice thing to see. It is just an awful thing to happen."
GMP now want to speak to any witnesses of the crash. They also want to speak to anyone with footage that could help the investigation. Police can be contacted on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1510 of 02.11.26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
