The peaceful afternoon of a Manchester neighborhood turned into a scene of chaos and horror when a Double Decker Bus Roof Violently Ripped Off as it attempted to drive under a low bridge in Eccles, Salford. The crash, which occurred at around 3 pm BST, left 15 people injured—three of them seriously—and raised alarming concerns about public safety and infrastructural oversight.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment as something out of a nightmare, with people screaming and the sounds of an explosion ringing through the air. The incident, captured on a doorbell camera, has once again brought attention to the dangers of poorly marked or misjudged low-clearance bridges in the UK.
Double Decker Bus Roof Violently Ripped Off
The dramatic crash unfolded at the junction of Barton Road and Trafford Road when the bus, operated by Stagecoach, attempted to pass under a canal bridge that proved too low for its double-decker frame. Doorbell footage from a nearby residence captured the exact moment the top of the bus was sliced clean off, sending debris flying across the road and panic erupting among passengers. This video has since circulated online, shocking viewers with the sheer force and devastation of the collision.
According to North West Ambulance Service, emergency responders rushed to the scene where 15 passengers received treatment, including three with serious injuries. One person was reported to be in critical condition. The force of the impact was so severe that several passengers from the upper deck were thrown out of the vehicle onto the road. Among them was a man who later suffered a seizure, as recounted by witnesses on the scene.
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One such witness, Szymon Hundz, had a clear view of the accident from his flat across the road. He explained that he and his girlfriend saw the bus crash and rushed down to assist the victims. They brought chairs, water, and even searched for first aid supplies from their neighbors while paramedics arrived.
🇬🇧 BUS VS. BRIDGE: GUESS WHO LOST
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 23, 2025
A rogue bus ignored every height warning and drove full-speed into a bridge like it had a death wish.
The top deck was shredded clean off like a sardine can, and one poor passenger was launched out of the bus.
20 people were injured, 3… pic.twitter.com/FjLWaveBzc
“It sounded like a bomb went off,” Hundz said, describing the horrifying sound of the impact. His account is echoed by many others in the area who heard the noise and ran out, only to be greeted by the sight of injured people, shattered glass, and a bus with its top floor completely destroyed.
A Grim History and Repeated Warnings
What makes this accident even more disturbing is that it wasn’t the first of its kind at this very spot. Local residents, including Stacey Morley, confirmed that the bridge in question has been the site of multiple similar crashes in recent years. “It’s the third or fourth time this has happened,” she said, still visibly shaken. Morley and others in the area have voiced their frustration and disbelief over the apparent lack of preventive measures, considering the danger is well known and previously documented.
A social media post by local traffic police further confirmed public concerns, showing a nearly identical bus crash that took place at the same location in April 2023. Despite these incidents, little seems to have been done to prevent another tragedy. The lack of height warnings or sufficient signage has come under fire, and now residents and officials alike are demanding answers.
Josh Tyldesley, another witness, emphasized the extent of the destruction. “The roof of the bus had been completely ripped off,” he said. “I saw someone lying at the back of the bus. I’ve never seen such an emergency response in my life.” He also noted the presence of several children on the bus, which has only added to the community’s distress.
Greater Manchester’s transport commissioner, Vernon Everitt, has assured the public that an urgent and thorough investigation is now underway. “Our absolute focus has been on supporting emergency services in their response,” he stated, adding that the transport authorities are working closely with Greater Manchester Police and Stagecoach to uncover the full scope of what went wrong.
Public Reaction
The reaction to the crash has been swift and emotional. Social media has exploded with shock, concern, and criticism, with many users demanding immediate government intervention to prevent further incidents. The footage and photos from the scene have gone viral, drawing attention not just from the UK but from international media as well.
The questions now being asked are deeply troubling: How could such an incident occur again at a known danger spot? Why has there been no visible enforcement of safe clearance signage or physical barriers to prevent taller vehicles from attempting to pass through? Residents in Eccles argue that this incident should be the last wake-up call authorities need to finally take lasting action.
Transportation experts suggest that more needs to be done than just placing warning signs. “There are several preventative measures available, from height sensors and warning lights to physical barriers that stop vehicles before they reach the bridge,” said a safety consultant who asked not to be named. “It’s not about blaming drivers; it’s about designing infrastructure that eliminates the chance for such mistakes.”
Meanwhile, passengers and their families are dealing with the immediate aftermath. Some have been hospitalized with severe head injuries, and at least one victim is fighting for their life. The psychological trauma, especially among children who were onboard, will likely linger long after physical wounds have healed.
Calls have also been made for bus companies to conduct more thorough route planning and provide enhanced training for drivers, particularly those operating larger vehicles like double-decker buses. While human error can’t always be eliminated, ensuring that operators are fully aware of potential hazards along their route can significantly reduce the risk of such catastrophic outcomes.
In addition to technical and regulatory measures, public advocacy is also gaining momentum. Local community groups have begun organizing petitions and contacting local MPs to demand that the bridge either be modified or have advanced warning systems installed. The recurring accidents have shaken their trust in local governance, and many are now pushing for accountability not just from transport agencies but from political leaders as well.
Despite the horror of the event, what followed showcased the resilience and humanity of the local community. Witnesses like Mr. Hundz and his girlfriend, who acted without hesitation, and nearby residents who opened their homes to paramedics and victims, reminded everyone of the power of solidarity in the face of tragedy.
As Greater Manchester begins the formal investigation and the healing process for the victims continues, one thing remains clear: this must be a turning point. Infrastructure that poses known risks can no longer be ignored. Lives were lost or forever altered due to a preventable accident. The pain of this incident will linger, but so must the resolve to ensure it never happens again.