Chef Gideon Ingham, 32, was travelling into work on a Bee Network bus in Manchester when it ploughed into the back of another stationary bus – leaving him with devastating injuries
A chef has been left with devastating injuries after becoming “trapped” in a harrowing double-decker bus crash.
Gideon Ingham, 32, was on his way to work aboard a Bee Network bus in Manchester when it smashed into the back of another bus. The crash left him with severe neck and back injuries, cuts, and extensive damage to his left leg. He has been unable to work since the incident.
At least 17 people were taken to hospital after the collision, which happened in the Collyhurst area of the city at about 8.30am on November 9. The chef – who claims the incident has “massively” discouraged him from using the bus – says he “immediately felt” the bus was going too fast prior to the moment of impact.
Recalling the moments immediately before the crash, he told Manchester Evening News: “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. It was one of the worst pains I’ve ever felt. 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 needed 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 says he has been told not to bear any weight on his leg for six weeks, and faces the possibility of further surgery, including the potential amputation of one of his other toes. He now faces up to three months off work and a long road to recovery. Gideon, who usually 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.”
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said it had asked the operator responsible for running the buses involved, understood to be Stagecoach, to carry out an ‘urgent investigation’ to determine what exactly happened. TfGM said it would be ‘conducting a broader review relating to the safety of the bus network’ and running a safety summit with operators, which was due to take place on Friday.
Gideon has asked personal injury solicitor Ross Whalley at law firm Leigh Day to investigate bringing a potential claim against Stagecoach for damages. Mr 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.”
TfGM’s Chief Network Officer, Danny Vaughan, said: “Safety is our top priority and we expect the same from our Bee Network operators. Our thoughts are with Mr Ingham, and all passengers involved in the incident. I’d like to reassure him that we are treating the collision extremely seriously and investigations into the circumstances are ongoing.”
