A pedestrian hit by a bus in a packed city centre yesterday has tragically died, police revealed today.
Almena Amica, 77, was taken to hospital with serious injuries but sadly later died.
The 64-year-old bus driver was arrested at the scene and later questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving before being released on bail.
A further 11 people – a mixture of pedestrians and passengers – escaped with minor injuries when the single decker bus smashed into a café in Piccadilly Gardens in the centre of Manchester at about 1pm yesterday.
Today relatives of Ms Amica – who was known as Mena and lived in South Manchester – released a tribute saying she was ‘dedicated to her family, friends and faith’.
They added: ‘She loved music, gardening, TV soaps and nature.
Almena Amica (pictured), 77, was taken to hospital with serious injuries but sadly later died
A Diamond-branded blue bus crashed into bubble tea shop T4 at the City Tower building in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
The 64-year-old bus driver was arrested at the scene and later questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving before being released on bail
‘She was the senior member of our family, the eldest sister and great-great-aunt.
‘She was well-loved, our matriarch, and her presence will be hugely missed.
‘Mena was a private person and her family asks that this be respected during our time of mourning.
‘We thank all the services and people who came to her aid.’
Eleven other people, both pedestrians and bus passengers, were either treated at the scene or in hospital for minor injuries.
In the wake of the horror smash a crowd of people could be seen standing on a pavement with the front end of a single-decker Diamond-branded blue bus ploughed into a side of newly-opened bubble tea shop T4, leaving staff shaken.
One picture on social media showed a woman applying pressure to an injured man’s leg. She could be seen using what appears to be an item of clothing as a tourniquet.
Shattered glass was scattered on the floor while white tents were erected by the emergency services at the scene.
A further 11 people – a mixture of pedestrians and passengers – escaped with minor injuries when the single decker bus smashed into a café in Piccadilly Gardens in the centre of Manchester at about 1pm yesterday
Police officers and the incident commander gather outside the scene of the crash on Monday
A crowd of people can be seen standing in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, after a single-decker blue bus crashed into the side of a shop
One witness on social media described it as one of the most horrible scenes they had ever seen.
There was a large police presence and ambulance crews with a cordon in place and roads closed yesterday. Fire crews also attended.
Ian Wood, at T4 UK Franchise Ltd, said: ‘Firstly, we want to wish all of those involved in the crash a speedy recovery, we look forward to welcoming them to our store once fully recovered.
‘We will remain closed until we are able to get the store back up on its feet. All staff members are okay although shaken up.’
Mia Rose said on X yesterday afternoon: ‘One of the most horrible scenes I’ve witnessed. Really praying everybody involved in the incident at Piccadilly Gardens are okay and pull through. My heart goes out to all involved.’
A large police cordon is in place after the crash near the Mercure Hotel on Monday afternoon
Sergeant Louise Warhurst, from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Injury Collision Unit, said: ‘This was a tragic incident witnessed by a lot of people in a busy area of the city centre.’
While Anna Charles said: ‘Just seen what’s happened at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester.
‘Hoping everyone is alright with the massive emergency services presence. I’ve walked that way so many times, can’t imagine how shaken the witnesses must be.’
Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage of the horror smash to come forward.
Sergeant Louise Warhurst, from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Injury Collision Unit, said: ‘This was a tragic incident witnessed by a lot of people in a busy area of the city centre.
‘The investigation is progressing thanks to many calls with information received from the public.’