Woman in critical condition after car crashes into house in Stalybridge

A woman is in a critical condition in hospital and a number of residents had to be evacuated when a house partially collapsed after a car crashed into it in Stalybridge in the early hours of the morning. 

The vehicle smashed into the gable end of a terraced property on Ridge Hill Lane, next to the Fox Tavern pub, shortly before 1am on Saturday (15 May). 

Emergency services rushed to the scene and an occupant of the car was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where she remains in a critical condition. She was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, police have said. 

Three other people who were in the car sustained minor injuries. 

Superintendent Robert Cousen, of GMP's Tameside district, has confirmed that there was a gas leak and it was unsafe for the occupants of the damaged house to remain. In total, 10 houses on the street were evacuated amid fears over building safety and a significant gas leak, while Tameside Council had to find a local hotel for two households to stay. 

The authority is awaiting a building surveyor to carry out a structural assessment of the house, which has sustained extensive damage. 

In a statement, Superintendent Cousen has said: "At approximately 1am this morning police were called to reports of a vehicle that had crashed into a property on Ridge Hill Lane.

"On arrival there was extensive damage to an end terrace property where it was unsafe for the occupants to remain. There was also a gas leak as a result of the incident and at present there are road closures in place to ensure safety of members of the public whilst the premises remains unsafe and work undertaken to isolate the gas supply.

"There were four occupants of the vehicle - one was seriously injured and was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary and another was taken to Hope Hospital. The driver was dealt with by traffic patrols at the scene and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"Ten houses were evacuated at the scene due to a combination of fears over building safety and there being a significant gas leak. Of these there were no vulnerable residents or children. All apart from two households went to family/friends but two had no other accommodation. Tameside Council co-ordinated accommodation at a local hotel for these two households.

"Police withdrew from the area and TMBC are the lead agency awaiting a building surveyor for structural assessment. The local authority have put in footpath/road closure signs and diversions." 

Fire crews have worked throughout Saturday to make the house safe and clear the area. 

A large number of bricks were seen piled up on the pavement, which has also been fenced off. 

Teams from Cadent Gas and Electricity North West have also been at the scene to help carry out investigations and safety inspections. 

Ridge Hill Lane remains closed in both directions between Harrison Street and Springs Lane and is likely to stay in place throughout the weekend. 

With local traffic diversions in place, motorists are advised to travel using an alternative route. The 387 Stagecoach bus service has been diverted. 

Tameside Council confirmed just after 4pm on Saturday afternoon that residents who had to leave their properties earlier were able to return home. 

** Ridge Hill Lane Update **

Ridge Hill Lane remains closed until further notice. Residents who had to leave their properties earlier while the area was made safe can now return home. Thank you for your patience. https://t.co/ZtjjN8eYQD

— Tameside Council (@TamesideCouncil) May 15, 2021

A spokesperson for GMFRS said on Saturday morning: "At 1:04am on 15th May 2021, two fire engines from Ashton and Stalybridge, and a technical response unit from Ashton, were called to a road traffic collision involving a car and a house on Ridge Hill Lane, Stalybridge.

"Crews worked to make safe a house that had partially collapsed. Eight other houses were evacuated as a precaution.

"Four casualties were left in the care of NWAS. Fire service remain at the scene." 

Ridge Hill Lane, close to the junction with Darnton Road, is closed. 

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said on Saturday morning: "Police were called just after 1am on Saturday 15 May to reports of a car colliding into a house on Ridge Hill Lane, Stalybridge.

"Emergency services attended, and an occupant of the vehicle has been taken to hospital, where she remains in a critical condition. 

"Three others in the car at the time received minor injuries.

"A small number of addresses have been evacuated as a precaution, and the road remains closed in both directions." 

It comes just days after 32-year-old Philip Ogden was tragically killed in a crash on Bayley Street in Stalybridge, and leaves behind a four-week-old son. 

Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds said the two incidents reflect "two sad reminders of the imperative of road safety". 

He said: "Terrible scenes on Ridge Hill Lane which remains closed on both directions this morning (including to pedestrians currently). I have been in this house - our old dog groomer used to live there - sending heartfelt best wishes to the current residents, the passengers of the car, everyone evacuated and the emergency services who attended the scene.

"I have not been briefed on the particulars but please do drive safely around Stalybridge, and throughout the constituency. Between this and the tragic fatal crash in Bayley Street on Sunday, we have had two many sad reminders of the imperative of road safety." 

The MP later added: "Again, I’m grateful to the police, ambulance, fire and rescue, and council staff for their emergency response assistance. Thinking of everyone in the neighbourhood after a traumatic night." 

Video and images by Nigel Wood 

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