Man cut free from car by firefighters after tram crash

A man was cut free from the wreckage of a car after it collided with a tram. The rush-hour smash in Droyslden, Tameside, led to the suspension of trams in the Ashton-under-Lyne area and traffic congestion surrounding the scene on Tuesday morning. 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the man, whose age hasn't been revealed, was transferred to the care of paramedics at the scene.

There's been no update on his condition, however the Manchester Evening News understands his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The M.E.N. has contacted Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service for further information.

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Witnesses at the scene reported extensive damage to the driver's side door and the car's airbags having been activated in the collision. They said the car ended up on a pavement, and the front of the tram was 'hanging off'.

Emergency services raced to the scene at around 8.30am on Tuesday morning. The collision happened on the A662 Ashton Road in Droylsden, near to the Conservative club.

Firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were pictured at the scene, together with police and paramedics.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At shortly after 8.30am on Tuesday (October 8) three fire engines from Blackley, Ashton and Hyde fire stations plus the emergency response unit from Ashton fire station were called to reports of a collision between a car and a tram on Ashton Road, Droylsden.

"Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to rescue one man from the vehicle before handing them to the care of North West Ambulance Service.

"Crews made the area safe and were in attendance for around one hour."

A witness who drove past the tram crash before emergency services got there said: "The car was all smashed on the driver's side and the driver looked to be trapped with the airbag deployed. The car had gone onto the pavement, but he looked like he was awake.

"The front of the tram was hanging off." No further details have been revealed.

The stretch of road involved was cordoned off by police, with a diversion put in place for motorists. Transport for Greater Manchester said services operating between Ashton-Under-Lyne and Velopark were temporarily halted, with trams starting to run again at around 10am.