Man severely injured in Manchester bus crash describes trauma of bus collision

Gideon sustained serious injuries, including neck and back trauma, lacerations, and extensive damage to his left leg.

It has been reported at least 17 people were taken to hospital following the crash.

Gideon recalled the moments after the impact:

“It was one of the worst pains I’ve ever felt. We were traveling along Rochdale Road into Manchester. I was looking at my phone as we approached the traffic lights, glanced up, and noticed a stationary bus parked at the stop. I immediately felt we were going too fast. The next thing I knew, the bus I was on ploughed into the back of it.

“The whole of the front of the bus had caved in on me. My left leg was trapped between my seat and the rear of the caved in bus. I could not move.

“A man instantly helped me to free my leg. It took several minutes, but he managed to push back a section of the bus that had caved in.”

Gideon underwent emergency surgery, which included reconstruction of his big toe, partial amputation of another toe, the insertion of steel rods and screws into his ankle, and the placement of a metal plate in his leg.

He remains unable to bear weight on his leg for six weeks and faces the possibility of further surgery, possibly amputation of one of his other toes.

A chef by profession, Gideon is facing up to three months off work and a long road to recovery.

Gideon, who takes the bus every morning to work, said:

“I’m just disappointed. It's not something that should happen while on my way to work in the morning. It’s discouraged me massively from taking the bus, though I know this isn’t something that happens every day."

The crash has prompted a review into safety and performance measures. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) confirmed it has asked the operator responsible for running the buses involved, understood to be Stagecoach, to carry out an “urgent investigation” to determine what exactly happened.

Gideon has asked Manchester personal injury solicitor Ross Whalley at law firm Leigh Day to investigate bringing a potential claim against Stagecoach for damages.

Ross Whalley said:

"This was a terrifying incident for our client, who has suffered devastating injuries as a result. Not only has Gideon endured immense physical pain and trauma, but his ability to work, lead an independent life, and support himself financially has been severely compromised. Having previously acted for victims of the Salisbury Rail Collision in 2021, I know the devastation that such incidents cause to the lives of commuters. We are committed to seeking justice on his behalf and ensuring that he receives the compensation he needs to support his recovery and safeguard his future."