Moment passengers told to evacuate tram and walk along tracks after Metrolink incident

Pictures show the moment frustrated passengers were told to abandon their tram because of a Metrolink cable failure today.

The drama happened shortly after 11am when Metrolink services were forced to stop between Radcliffe to Bury. Passengers had to disembark via ladders and walk along the tracks back to Radcliffe station.

One passenger, Peter Buckby, from Poynton, told the M.E.N: "I was on the tram going to Bury. Then due to overhead cable being broken, we had to evacuate the tram between Radcliffe and Bury as well as the tram (heading) to Manchester. The ladder wasn’t long enough. So they had to help people off and walk back to Radcliffe station."

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He said he passengers had been told there would be a free bus but he claims he had to get a taxi. Pictures from one of the aborted services showed workmen bringing ladders to the tram and later passengers walking along the tracks to safety.

Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink, said: “Due to damage to the overhead lines between Bury and Radcliffe, there are currently no trams operating between Whitefield and Bury.

“Earlier today, staff from the operator, Keolis Amey Metrolink, worked as quickly as possible to help passengers safely disembark from a stationary tram near Radcliffe.

“Due to the nature of the location, the only viable option was for passengers to alight the tram with assistance from staff and walk to the nearest tram stop.

“We apologise to any customers this has affected. Disruption is expected to last into the evening and we advise people to check the Bee Network website, or