A bus driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving after a double-decker bus crashed into a low bridge in Eccles, Greater Manchester, injuring 20 people.

The incident happened on Barton Lane, where the bus collided with the Bridgewater Canal Aqueduct, ripping the roof off the top deck and ejecting one passenger from the vehicle.

Victims Hospitalised After Terrifying Crash

Three people – a 19-year-old woman and two men aged 20 and 40 – were seriously injured in the crash and remain in hospital in a stable condition. A further 17 people were treated at the scene by emergency services.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the driver, a man in his 50s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of careless driving causing serious injury. He has since been bailed while investigations continue.

Passenger Ejected, Major Emergency Response

A dramatic video captured the moment the bus collided with the bridge, with the entire top deck torn off on impact. Witnesses reported screams from inside the bus, and a passenger was thrown from the upper level during the collision.

Fire crews, ambulances, and two air ambulances attended the scene. Passengers were triaged and treated at the roadside before some were transported to hospital.

Investigation Underway

Transport for Greater Manchester and bus operator Stagecoach are working with Greater Manchester Police to investigate the full circumstances of the crash.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:

“Our absolute focus has been on supporting emergency services. A full investigation is underway to determine exactly what went wrong. We are grateful for the swift response from all emergency teams.”

The bridge has a clearly marked height restriction, and investigations are expected to examine why the double-decker attempted to pass beneath it.