Seventeen people were injured after a bus smashed into a bridge in Rochdale.

The passengers were hurt as the double decker vehicle collided with the structure on Milkstone Road at around 12.20pm today, tearing its roof off in the process.

Eleven people needed hospital treatment following the smash, with one man in his 20s sustaining serious facial injuries.

One passenger described the incident as the “scariest moment of her life.”

Police say 25 people were travelling on the bus - the number 17 service run by First Manchester - near to Rochdale Rail Station when the bridge was struck.

Paramedics also treated all 17 injured passengers at the scene.

Massive mess

Eyewitness Paul Shah told the M.E.N: “The roof just came off, it came straight off and there was a massive mess. It was on the floor and I went over and helped injured people.

“It was awful to see them coming off with injuries, it looked like cuts from broken glass and people banging their faces against the seats.”

Kelly McCluney, who saw the aftermath of the smash, said: “A woman from the chemist came out bringing chairs and helping people there. I saw people going into the ambulance in a shocked state. The roof of the bus lay at the back intact.”

Daisy Murphy, 18, was a passenger on the bus.

(Image: Vince Cole)

She said: "I didn't know it was that bad I just thought we had hit something. The glass smashed - I was in shock really."

She added on Twitter: “Not everyday you’re on a bus that crashes into a bridge, scariest moment of my life.”

Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene at around 12.30pm.

Rail services through Rochdale were suspended for inspections of the bridge and tracks and they began to move the bus from beneath the structure at around 2.30pm.

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Shock

Inspector Stephen Clarke from GMP’s Rochdale Division said: “We are working closely with the emergency services to deal with all the passengers who have been involved in this incident and ensure they are all receiving the appropriate treatment.

“Clearly there are lots of people in shock but luckily no one was trapped on the bus.

“Our investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing and we would encourage anyone with any information to get in touch.

“Obviously there will be traffic congestion in the area for the next few hours, and we would encourage all traffic to avoid the area where possible.”

(Image: Vince Cole)

A spokesman for the bus operator said: “First in Manchester is currently responding to an incident involving one of our bus services in Rochdale today. First’s emergency management procedures have been activated and staff are at the scene providing support to the emergency services.”

Teresa Broxton, managing director of First Manchester, added: “At this time our primary focus is to assist customers and staff involved.

“Staff from First in Manchester are providing support to the emergency services at the scene. We will provide whatever additional resources we can.”

Rail services were suspended after the incident, with tickets being accepted on trams between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0161 856 8473.