Nine injured after double-decker bus crashes into bridge in Rochdale

The crash happened in Station Road, Rochdale, at about 14:10 BST, according to Greater Manchester Police.

North West Ambulance Service said five people have been taken to hospital, one with “a significant leg injury”. None of the injuries are life-threatening. Richard Street and Station Street have been temporarily closed as emergency services investigate.

Diamond Bus told the Manchester Evening News it had “immediately launched a full internal investigation” into the smash involving its 471 service between Bolton and Rochdale.

The operator added: “Everyone at Diamond Bus North West is shocked by this incident and our thoughts are with the injured passengers.” Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) station manager Carl Haslam said firefighters had worked alongside the ambulance service at the scene, adding: “This could have been a lot worse.” A GMFRS spokesman said crews from Rochdale and Ashton-under-Lyne helped rescue passengers and remove the bus from under the bridge.