“This is clearly a distressing situation for everyone involved and we’d like to thank emergency services for their swift response.”

An investigation has been launched after 15 people were rushed to hospital when the roof of a double decker was ripped off in a horror crash. Emergency services were called to Barton Lane, Eccles, following reports of the crash shortly after 3pm on Monday (July 21).

The M.E.N understands that one person is in critical condition and two people have been left with serious injuries. According to North West Ambulance Services (NWAS) sent an air ambulance altogether 15 people were treated at the scene before being taken to Salford Royal Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary hospitals.

Following the incident, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester released a statement announcing that an “immediate and urgent investigation into the circumstances” has begun with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) working closely with Greater Manchester Police and Stagecoach.

Vernon Everitt said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone on board the bus. Our absolute focus has been on supporting emergency services in their response, with some people treated at the scene and some taken to hospital.

“An immediate and urgent investigation into the circumstances is underway and we are working closely with the investigation team at Greater Manchester Police and the bus operator, Stagecoach.

“This is clearly a distressing situation for everyone involved and we’d like to thank emergency services for their swift response.”

On Monday afternoon, North West Ambulance Services (NWAS) sent an air ambulance, ten emergency ambulances and advanced paramedics to the scene. The incident was initially declared as a major incident but has since been stood down. Emergency services remain at the scene and the road has been blocked with motorists advised to avoid the area.

A spokesperson for NWAS said: “At 15.06 North West Ambulance Service received a call in relation to a bus collision on Barton Lane, Eccles, and declared a major incident shortly afterwards.

“The trust dispatched a number of resources, including ten emergency ambulances, advanced paramedics, our Hazard Area Response Team (HART) and colleagues from North West Air Ambulance. The first resource arrived on time at 15.10.

“NWAS treated 15 patients who were all taken to Salford Royal or Manchester Royal Infirmary hospitals.

“At 16:22 NWAS stood down from major incident status but continues to remain on scene.”

A GMP Spokesperson said: “We are currently responding to a collision between a bus and a bridge at the junction of Barton Road and Trafford Road in Eccles. Emergency services are currently on scene as part of the ongoing work.

“Please avoid the area as road closures are currently in place.”

The bus was a 100 service, which departs from Shudehill and travels to Salford, Trafford Centre and Warrington. The location were the crash took place does not appear to be on the Bee Network route map.

A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said: “Shortly after 3.10pm we received reports of a double-decker bus colliding with a bridge on Barton Road in Eccles.

“The bus was a 100 service and in operation at the time of the collision.

“Emergency services are at the scene, with reports of several injured passengers. Our absolute priority right now is supporting the emergency response and the people who were on board.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just after 3pm on Monday 21 July, our crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Barton Lane, Eccles.

“Fire engines from Eccles, Stretford, Ashton and Manchester Central were quickly mobilised to the incident, where firefighters assisted North West Ambulance Service with the care of several casualties.

“Fire crews were in attendance for about two and a half hours.”