Roof ripped off double-decker bus 'with ease' after smashing into low bridge

THE roof of a double-decker bus "peeled off with ease" after the driver slammed it into a low bridge in Eccles late last night.  

Police shut off Barton Lane just before 10pm after the major crash on Monday, leaving the bus roof and debris all over the road. 

The incident took place on the road which runs beneath the Bridgewater Canal. 

Pictures from the horrifying scene show the extensive damage to the bus, as well as the cleanly cut off roof laying near the bus. 

Taking to Twitter, Greater Manchester Police wrote: "Barton Lane, Eccles is currently closed both ways due to a bridge strike by a bus.  

Barton Lane, Eccles is currently closed both ways due to a bridge strike by a bus. The road will remain closed until the Ports Authority can attend and assess / repair any damage. Please avoid and plan an alternative route as there may be subsequent local delays. (Post: 2145hrs) pic.twitter.com/UHP3dgmnuJ

— GMP Traffic (@gmptraffic) April 10, 2023

"The road will remain closed until the Ports Authority can attend and assess / repair any damage. 

"Please avoid and plan an alternative route as there may be subsequent local delays." 

Detailing the incident, an eyewitness said: "It was around 9pm when the bus was approaching the bridge." 

"I thought it was going to stop when they (the driver) realised the height restriction but it just carried on," they told Manchester Evening News.  

"Luckily there were no passengers on board. 

"The bus drove all way under which peeled the top off with ease. Police responded and closed both sides, there are no ambulances present." 

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