A Metrolink passenger was injured in a crash between a tram and a car on Lord Sheldon Way in Ashton-under-Lyne. The collision happened at around 1.15pm on Saturday, closing part of the Ashton line and suspending tram services between Velopark and Ashton.
Police, firefighters, paramedics and Metrolink staff were called to the scene. The crash took place close to the Lord Sheldon Arms pub and Notcutts garden centre. Traffic was also backing up on the M60 at the nearby junction 23.
Injured passenger treated at the scene
One witness said: "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."
They added: "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."
A Greater Manchester Police 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.
Disruption to tram services and football fans
The line closure affected Manchester City fans travelling to the 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."
The post added: "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."
In a later post, the 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."
Fire service response
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."
They added: "Firefighters are currently working alongside Metrolink staff and Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe. Crews remain in attendance at this time."
