Pensioner killed in Metrolink accident on Rochdale-Manchester line

Police on the scene at the fatal incident at Freehold station, Block Lane

A man in his 70s has died after walking in front of a tram in Chadderton.

CCTV showed the pensioner walking from the platform at Freehold station, Block Lane, into the path of a tram as it arrived at the stop.

Onlookers saw paramedics, fire engines and six police cars at the scene at around 5.00pm last night (31 July). The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Rochdale to Victoria Metrolink line was suspended until 7.30pm as police dealt with the incident.

A witness who saw the incident said the man had been badly cut.

Peter Cushing, TfGM’s Metrolink director, said: “Despite the efforts of everyone on site, the man passed away. Our deepest sympathies go to his friends and family.”

The driver of the tram is to be offered counselling.

A TfGM spokesman said there is no suggestion the driver was at fault.