Six hurt as bus hits bollards

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Six hurt as bus hits bollards

Nov 2, 2008

By Paul R Taylor

SIX people were taken to hospital after Manchester's infamous rising bollards shot up under a Metroshuttle bus.

An investigation has now been launched because the bollards - which have trapped a number of cars in the past - are specifically designed to let the buses pass unharmed.

The victims were taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary, including a six-year-old girl who suffered head injuries and a broken elbow. Several passengers were given oxygen at the scene and two were taken to ambulances on stretchers.

The bollards are supposed to fall to allow Metroshuttle buses to pass through St Mary's Gate, before rising again to keep general motorists out. A number of car drivers have fallen victim to the bollards while trying to 'tailgate' buses.

Last night's incident involved a number 2 Metroshuttle that was driving over the lowered bollard when the barrier suddenly rose up again and hit the front bumper of the bus at around 4.15pm.

A total of 12 passengers were on board at the time and they were thrown forward in their seats by the impact. Two standing up were sent flying down the aisle, according to other passengers.

Passenger Clare Townley, from Todmorden, said: "There was a mighty bang and we were all thrown forward.

"At first I thought we had hit another vehicle. The people standing up were thrown forward and they suffered the worst injuries.

"I banged my leg quite badly and my son Nathan has cut his cheek against his glasses."

Nathan, 13, added: "I'm a bit shocked and my face is cut and bruised. I wasn't sure what had happened at first, it was a really loud bang. Everyone on the bus was quiet for a few seconds."

Passenger Michelle Dirkin said: "The same thing happened about three weeks ago but fortunately the driver was able to brake in time.

"This time I cracked my cheek, arm and knee on the seat in front. They're all starting to swell up. I'd imagine I'll have a shiner in the morning.

"Everybody flew forward, particularly the people standing up, and then I heard people moaning and crying.

"Something needs to be done because the drivers are obviously not getting proper training about the bollards or the automatic system is not working."

Three police vehicles and two ambulances were sent to the scene of yesterday's crash. The bus was later towed away and traffic cones were placed on the bollards because they would not retract into the road.

The bollards are triggered by are an automatic sensor, fitted to Metroshuttles, which causes them to drop into the road until the vehicle has passed.

The city council has previously shown little sympathy for car drivers caught out by the bollards, which it claims are legal and clearly signposted.

The council declined to comment last night.

Source: Manchester Evening News

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