Witnesses have described the chaotic scenes that unfolded in Manchester city centre on Wednesday (May 24) after a teenage cyclist was tragically killed in a crash involving a HGV.
Police, fire crews and paramedics rushed to the scene on Great Bridgewater Street, off Deansgate, shortly after midday. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the 19-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The road was closed off for a number of hours, with a cordon erected along the pavement. One man, aged 55, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and remains in custody to be questioned.
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Eyewitnesses told the Manchester Evening News of the scenes following the fatal collision, that police said occurred as the cyclist was riding along Great Bridgewater Street towards the junction of Watson Street.
"It was at about 12:30 when my colleague, who was going next door, said he saw a load of people around the wagon. So he shouted for me to come and help," one person said.
“The man was on the floor. There were police, paramedics and fire engines here. They were parked up all along the road. It’s just awful. Absolutely awful. I just feel for his family.”
A woman, who works nearby, added: “Police came and there was lots of commotion with people running over and standing around the lorry. I believe one of the guys from the mechanics next door ran over to help.
“With so many ambulances and police and do many people stood around you just knew straight away it was really bad. We just tried to stay away and let the emergency services do their work.”
Greater Manchester Police are now appealing for anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage of the fatal crash to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
Information can be passed on to 0161 856 4741 quoting log 1454-24/5/23 or reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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