Metrolink services cancelled after van plows through brick wall and lands on tracks

Metrolink services between Old Trafford and Piccadilly have been suspended after a van plowed through a brick wall and landed on the tracks near to Brooklands tram stop.

Police say they were called at 2:20 to reports of a van on its side on the tracks.

Two people have been taken to hospital, one of them is believed to be in a serious condition.

Services are only able to operate between Old Trafford and Piccadilly while repair work takes place.

Extra trams are running to Sale Water Park for commuters to use the Park and Ride site and the Manchester Airport line as an alternative option.

Passengers can also use their tickets on the 263, 256 and 11 bus services, while Northern Rail will also accept Metrolink tickets.

Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said:

"“ Due to a serious road traffic collision which occurred at around 3am Metrolink services are currently suspended between Altrincham and the city centre.

“It appears a van has gone through a brick wall and dropped onto the Metrolink tracks just north of the Brooklands stop, damaging the overhead lines and blocking both the inbound and outbound tracks.

“Engineers are already on site assessing the damage to both the tracks and lines and working to resolve any issues, a crane is also on site to remove the vehicle.

“But the process of repair and recovery will take some time and as such Metrolink services on the Altrincham line will only be running to and from the Old Trafford stop until this situation is resolved.

“Ticket acceptance has been put in place on the 263 bus service and Northern rail services and we are working to get additional bus services put in place for passengers, but I would advise people to allow extra time for their journeys if they use this line.

“I’d like to apologise for any inconvenience this incident may cause, we will ensure it is dealt with as quickly as possible and keep people updated.