Two people still seriously ill after market smash
TWO people remained seriously ill in hospital last night after a car hit a crowd of shoppers near Harpurhey Market.
Emergency crews were called to the scene and a large area of car park was sealed off for several hours after the collision on Monday afternoon.
A Kia Venga hit several pedestrians at a taxi rank near the market and Asda.
Two other cars, including a taxi, were also involved in the collision.
A total of seven people were taken to hospital for treatment, with some suffering ‘major trauma injuries’ a spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said.
Officers confirmed last night that two people remained in a serious condition in hospital.
No details of the other five casualties were given.
Police also confirmed that an 80-year-old arrested in connection with the incident has since been released on bail, pending further enquiries.
He had been held on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Witnesses said volunteers rushed to the scene from Asda, the market and nearby shops to help.
They included a homeless man, who heard the impact and supported an injured woman in the aftermath of the incident.
Greater Manchester Police stressed soon after the incident that it was not terror-related.
GMP said in a statement: “Shortly before 3.30pm on Monday, April 16, police were called to reports that a Kia Venga had been involved in a collision with two cars and a number of pedestrians at a car park in a supermarket in Harpurhey.”
The spokesman said that officers arrested an 80-year-old man on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has since been released under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.