An investigation has now been launched because the bollards - which have trapped a number of cars in the past - are specifically designed to let the buses pass unharmed.
The victims were taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary, including a six-year-old girl who suffered head injuries and a broken elbow. Several passengers were given oxygen at the scene and two were taken to ambulances on stretchers.
The bollards are supposed to fall to allow Metroshuttle buses to pass through St Mary's Gate, before rising again to keep general motorists out. A number of car drivers have fallen victim to the bollards while trying to 'tailgate' buses.
Last night's incident involved a number 2 Metroshuttle that was driving over the lowered bollard when the barrier suddenly rose up again and hit the front bumper of the bus at around 4.15pm.
A total of 12 passengers were on board at the time and they were thrown forward in their seats by the impact. Two standing up were sent flying down the aisle, according to other passengers.
Passenger Clare Townley, from Todmorden, said: "There was a mighty bang and we were all thrown forward.
"At first I thought we had hit another vehicle. The people standing up were thrown forward and they suffered the worst injuries.
Click here to see a video clip of other bollard incidents.
"I banged my leg quite badly and my son Nathan has cut his cheek against his glasses."
Nathan, 13, added: "I'm a bit shocked and my face is cut and bruised. I wasn't sure what had happened at first, it was a really loud bang. Everyone on the bus was quiet for a few seconds."
Another woman passenger said: "The same thing happened about three weeks ago but fortunately the driver was able to brake in time.
"This time I cracked my cheek, arm and knee on the seat in front. They're all starting to swell up. I'd imagine I'll have a shiner in the morning.
"Everybody flew forward, particularly the people standing up, and then I heard people moaning and crying.
"Something needs to be done because the drivers are obviously not getting proper training about the bollards or the automatic system is not working."
Three police vehicles and two ambulances were sent to the scene of yesterday's crash. The bus was later towed away and traffic cones were placed on the bollards because they would not retract into the road.
The bollards are triggered by are an automatic sensor, fitted to Metroshuttles, which causes them to drop into the road until the vehicle has passed.
The city council has previously shown little sympathy for car drivers caught out by the bollards, which it claims are legal and clearly signposted.
The council declined to comment last night.
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Showing comments 1 to 25 and replies | View All
Bury Pensioner., Bury. (01/11/2008 at 08:14)
Bejjy ex Salford now Malta, Malta (01/11/2008 at 08:29)
Kurt Stephens (01/11/2008 at 08:29)
Presumably the route will be tram, bus and taxi only, with bus and tram stops out of the route of each other.
RED RAZOR, CUTTING YA UP (01/11/2008 at 11:43)
My brother has drove down there before in his minibus/coach and this never happed to him.
PMSL
Fran M (Permissum Populus Constituo) (01/11/2008 at 12:01)
It is almost certain that someone is going to be killed by these bollards. MCC and the Highways Department are most likely in breach of their 'duty of care' responsibilities.
Phil Oldham (01/11/2008 at 13:50)
Remember the reason the area was partially 'pedestrianised' in the first place...to cut down accidents with cars which I do believe has happened! It's impossible to keep everyone 100% safe and I think this is the best way
levineg, Manchester (01/11/2008 at 14:22)
PW, Manchester (01/11/2008 at 14:26)
I've always thought these bollards are a bit of an evil idea, and they've now come back to bite the Council on the bum. Far better to catch wrong-doers with a snapshot and a £60 fine than crunch up an expensive vehicle with human cargo, I would have thought. But MCC always know better than I. I hope this contingency fund isn't in Iceland.
OiBloke, Granby Village (01/11/2008 at 15:04)
I think car drivers who hit it deserves everything they get, its not like the LED road signs (one way/no entry) are hard to spot? At the print works end there's even a 6'x5' flashing mobile warning sign. Its time they added enforcement cameras too I think.
Jonathan Curtis (01/11/2008 at 17:11)
And despite this, I still have no sympathy for other drivers trying to cross them and get their car written off as a result.
Andy, Wythenshawe (01/11/2008 at 18:54)
There are enough cycle taxis around the city now to transport the lazy or infirm.
Empty Head, Southport (01/11/2008 at 23:03)
Call me Dave (02/11/2008 at 12:09)
Fran M (Permissum Populus Constituo) (02/11/2008 at 14:23)
Phil,Oldham.
Are you saying it is not possible that someone can be killed by these bollards?
It is not legal to install a device that can cause injury to deter a burglar so I don't see why these should be any different.
citycentre, manchester (02/11/2008 at 14:43)
really, in that case there is a suprisingly large amount of barbed/razor wire around on top of fences and walls
maybe the thieves should just cut themsleves and sue, easy than actually robbing things
there are lots of things that vehicle drivers manage to hit, including each other, bridges, houses, trains on level crossings,people walking, trees
where shoul we draw the line and what should we keep?
Phil Oldham (02/11/2008 at 17:29)
I can't say I'm talking from experience of how the bollards effect vehicles/passengers involved in crashes...however I can speak from experience of being involved in a 'slow' car crash...I was fully belted up and was absolutely fine apart from a sore neck for a day or so.
levineg I feel has a good point about the cameras....although I feel the would be less of a deterrent, and people are known for avoiding fines!
Fran M (Permissum Populus Constituo) (02/11/2008 at 18:44)
Even barber wire must not be installed below a certain height.
Either way, it would be possible to go into all the nuances of what is allowed and not allowed in certain circumstances but that would take forever.
However the point is still valid in my experience that MCC and the Highways Department are almost certainly in breach of their responsibilities of 'duty of care'.
I hope one of the injured pursues the matter in this regard.
Audenshaw Bob (03/11/2008 at 08:13)
The traffic was crawling along and there were plenty of pedestrians around too.
The lights changed to red and all traffic was stopped yet just as the green man came on the bus in the opposite direction decided to move away and he turned right down Bridge Street. He went through people crossing Deansgate and Bridge Street.
This isn't a red/amber chance it this was not even beginning a manouvre and anticipating the lights changing from red. This ws just someoen who couldn't be bothered waiting.
To cap it off there were two policeman standing on that corner (taking care of the football fans on the way back from Utd) and tehy just watched it happen.
I am tunned that there aren't more deaths in the city centre at the hands of bus drivers.
No doubt one will come on here and defend this sort of action.
Trumpetman21 (03/11/2008 at 10:21)
There are enough cycle taxis around the city now to transport the lazy or infirm."
Proof our resident CAN-supporting liberal lives on another planet. Get a grip.
Esso Blues brudder,, Manchester (03/11/2008 at 10:25)
Esso Blues brudder,, Manchester (03/11/2008 at 10:27)
bluetony (03/11/2008 at 12:55)
uncle bulgaria, Wimbledon Common (03/11/2008 at 13:32)
No, you're probably the only one to laugh at the misfortune of passengers including a small child who suffered head injuries and broken bones.
Jodie (03/11/2008 at 13:45)
NMH (03/11/2008 at 14:00)