Three Schoolchildren Injured After Falling From Upper Deck of Bus in Greater Manchester

Three schoolchildren were injured after falling through a window from the upper deck of a double decker bus in Greater Manchester, prompting a major emergency response and raising fresh questions about safety on public transport.

The incident occurred on Bolton Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield shortly before 4pm on Wednesday. Emergency services including police, ambulances and fire crews rushed to the scene after reports that several children had fallen from the moving bus.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that three children were involved and had sustained injuries described as potentially serious. Officers said the injuries were not believed to be life threatening, and all three were taken to hospital for further assessment and treatment.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as emergency vehicles arrived and the road was quickly closed to traffic. Parents and local residents gathered nearby as police secured the area and paramedics treated the injured children at the roadside before transporting them to hospital.

According to early information from investigators, the children were travelling on the top deck of the bus when they fell through a window. It is not yet clear how the window failed or whether the children were leaning against it at the time. Police said the investigation is still at an early stage.

Inspector Simon Barrie of Greater Manchester Police said initial evidence suggested the incident appeared to be an unfortunate accident. He stressed that there was no immediate indication of criminal behaviour, but added that all circumstances would be thoroughly examined.

Bus services along Bolton Road were temporarily suspended while emergency crews worked at the scene and investigators carried out initial checks. The road was later reopened once the bus was removed and it was deemed safe to do so.

Transport safety experts say incidents of this nature are rare, but they highlight the importance of robust vehicle maintenance and passenger awareness. Windows on modern buses are designed to withstand pressure and movement, but failures can occur if fittings are damaged or if excessive force is applied.

Parents in the area expressed shock and concern, particularly as the children were understood to be travelling home from school. Some called for reassurance from transport operators about safety checks and maintenance procedures on buses used by pupils.

Local authorities have been notified of the incident and are expected to work closely with the bus operator as the investigation continues. This may include examining the vehicle involved, reviewing maintenance records and speaking to the driver and other passengers.

Schools in the surrounding area were also informed, and support is expected to be offered to pupils who witnessed the incident or were affected by it. Safeguarding teams may be involved to provide reassurance to children and families.

Greater Manchester Police said updates would be provided as more information becomes available. Officers have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have relevant footage to come forward to assist with the investigation.

While the children’s injuries are not thought to be life threatening, the incident has understandably caused distress in the community. Authorities have emphasised that passenger safety remains a priority and that lessons will be learned once the full facts are established.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured children and on determining exactly how the accident occurred to prevent similar incidents in the future.