Passengers on tram hear 'big bang' as 'sparks' seen before major services halted

Passengers on board a Metrolink tram in Manchester heard a 'big bang' as 'sparks' were seen before major services were cancelled on Wednesday (May 8).

Damage to the overhead line near to the Old Trafford tram stop cancelled services between Altrincham and Piccadilly stations in both directions. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said the issue had been caused by a 'third party'.

Those travelling on the affected service had to depart the tram and were told by staff to walk to nearby Trafford Bar after the trams on the Altrincham line had been halted.

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Disruption continued throughout the afternoon, with passengers asked to use their tickets on alternative transport services. It was later confirmed that the issue had been resolved and that services had resumed. TfGM has been contacted for further information on the cause of the damage.

One passenger on board told the M.E.N: "We were on the tram when we seemed to hit something. There was a loud bang from overhead and then what looked like sparks cascading down over the tram.

"From speaking with one of the staff, on the platform, she was suggesting that it was the overhead cables that were the issue and she directed people to walk to Trafford Bar as that’s on a separate line."

A travel update posted by TfGM read: "Damage to the overhead line, caused by a third party near the Old Trafford Metrolink stop, means that there are no services between Altrincham and Piccadilly in either direction.

"Engineers are on site and are working hard to fix the issue. Unfortunately, afternoon peak services on the Altrincham line will be significantly disrupted, and this is likely to last into