Tributes have been paid to a “well-loved” woman who died after a bus crashed into a cafe in Manchester city centre on Monday.
Almena Amica, known as Mena, a pedestrian at the time of the crash, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and later died.
The 77-year-old from south Manchester was a great-great-aunt whose presence will be greatly missed, her family said.
In a statement issued via Greater Manchester police (GMP), her family said: “She loved music, gardening, TV soaps and nature. 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.”
Emergency services were called to the scene in Piccadilly Gardens at 1pm on Monday after the single-decker bus crashed into the T4 bubble tea cafe.
Twelve people received minor injuries, police said.
A 64-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail.
Sgt Louise Warhurst, from GMP’s serious collision investigation unit (SCIU), 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.”
She urged anyone with information to speak to GMP.
A spokesperson for Diamond Bus North West, which ran the bus involved in the collision, said: “On 16 October 2023, one of our Diamond Bus North West vehicles was involved in a serious incident in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester. Our priorities are the driver, passengers and pedestrians involved.
“We are cooperating with the police and emergency services. We do not have any further details we can share at this time.”
