Manchester Road crash: Outpouring of grief after woman dies
Emergency services rushed to Manchester Road following reports of a road traffic collision just before 9pm on Tuesday (December 19). It happened near the road's junction with Ripley Street. Shortly before the crash, two cars - an Audi A3 and a VW Golf - were travelling away from the city centre alongside each other.
The pedestrian was crossing the road at a pelican crossing when she was in collision with one of the vehicles, West Yorkshire[1] Police said. One of the vehicles then collided with railings. Emergency services attended the scene but the pedestrian, a woman aged in her 40s, was sadly confirmed to have died.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Damaged railings on Manchester Road (Image: Newsquest) It sparked road closures both ways on Manchester Road while residents reported hearing the police helicopter above their homes.
Councillor Taj Salam (Independent, Little Horton) shared his condolences to the woman's family and friends. "It's unfortunate that this incident occurred and I'm really sorry about the loss of life," said Cllr Salam. "I hope people come forward and give us as much information as possible.
"There will be some CCTV cameras, personal CCTV cameras, dashcams, businesses have CCTV. The scene on Tuesday night (Image: UGC) "One life lost is more than we can afford.
"To everybody, no matter how minute the information is, it can always help with an investigation." In a message to the family, Cllr Salam added: "My condolences to the family and friends. It's an unfortunate incident which should never have happened, especially at such a festive time close to Christmas.
"All I can do is pray and hope that people will come forward with information and bring some closure to this incident." Cllr Noor Elahi (Independent, Little Horton) described the incident as terrible news. "Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased in this tragic accident," said Cllr Elahi.
"The police seek witnesses and urge anyone with information to assist in the investigation. "It's very sad." He echoed his fellow councillor's appeal for those with information big and small or nearby CCTV cameras to reach out to detectives.
As enquiries continue, he urged people to avoid speculation.
'Thinking of the family'
There were further messages of support from other residents in Bradford[2]. JP Gladwin said: "I live literally a stones throw from here, I passed all the flashing lights last night didn't know someone died RIP." Helen Morris added: "Omg this is so so sad rip lovely lady."
Maria Bhatti said: "Very sad news." Stacy Adele said: "How awful someone losing their mother or daughter or sister five days before Xmas. Xmas will never be enjoyable ever again for them."
Christina Vanessa Heenan said: "So sad my heart goes out to her family." Janet Shearer said: "Condolences to the family." Julie Fox Hughes said: "Thinking of the family RIP."
Barbara Wright said: "So sad rip condolence to your family and friends at this sad time."
Police statement
In the latest statement, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police are appealing for witnesses after a road traffic collision in which a pedestrian suffered fatal injuries on Manchester Road in Bradford last night (19/12). "The collision happened at 8:59pm at the junction with Ripley Street. "Two cars, an Audi A3 and a VW Golf, were travelling away from the city centre alongside each other when a pedestrian who was crossing the road at a pelican crossing was in collision with one of the vehicles.
"One of the vehicles then collided with railings. "Emergency services attended the scene but the pedestrian, a female aged in her 40s, was sadly confirmed to have died at the scene. "Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
"Detectives from West Yorkshire Police's Major Collision Enquiry Team (MCET) are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision, who saw either vehicle prior to the incident or who may have video footage to contact them by calling 101 or go online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat quoting reference 1679 of 19/12."