Shopkeepers tell of horror after girl, 3, killed in tram...

SHOPKEEPERS told of their horror after a three-year-old girl was killed in a tram crash with a van, as cops continue their hunt for the driver a day later. The tragic tot was walking on Mosley Street, Manchester, just before 10am on Saturday when the van reportedly rebounded off the tram and hit her.

Image Credit: The Sun [Tram and van accident scene with police tape.]

Cops launched a frantic hunt to find the driver of the white Mercedes-Benz van, who vanished from the scene. Greater Manchester Police said it was being treated as an "isolated incident" as the investigation continues. Shop workers nearby recalled their horror after hearing a loud "crash" and then seeing the damaged van.

Image Credit: The Sun [Police officers at the scene of a tram and van accident.]

One woman, who works nearby and didn't wish to be named, said she'd heard that a girl had been injured in the collision, but didn't realise the youngster had died. Another shop keeper told The Sun: “It looked like the tram had hit the van to one side.

Image Credit: The Sun [Flowers left at the scene of an accident.]

“The collision must have made the van go onto the pavement where it hit the poor girl.”. Another added: "I can't imagine what her parents are going through. "It's awful to lose a daughter like that. They must be completely heartbroken.". Trams regularly travel along Mosley Street to and from the city centre and it’s not yet been confirmed how the collision happened.

Image Credit: The Sun [Flowers left at an accident scene.]

But it’s understood the van may have emerged from a side road and been struck by the tram, which was travelling to Manchester Airport. Reports claim that the girl was hit by the van after it "rebounded" off the tram and onto the pavement. The van driver has yet to be traced.

Image Credit: The Sun [Police investigating a tram and van collision.]

Cops and Metrolink workers were at the crash site following the tragedy, with four detectives called to the area. The tram involved in the collision was travelling from Victoria to Manchester Airport. Roads were shut and public transport services were cancelled with major travel disruption continuing following the incident.

Image Credit: The Sun [A tram and vehicle collision in Manchester city center has closed streets and caused major disruption.]

Assistant Chief Constable Stephanie Parker of Greater Manchester Police said: “Firstly, I would like to send my condolences to the family of the victim. This is a tragic incident where a young girl has sadly lost her life despite the responding officer's best attempts to save her.

Image Credit: The Sun [Tram stopped on city street after collision.]

“Our investigation is ongoing and we are investigating a number of lines of enquiry. This is being treated as an isolated incident with no wider threat to the community. "I thank the public for their patience with the disruption this incident has caused in the city centre and our officers will remain on patrol into the evening. If you have any concerns please speak to our officers and raise them as they are here to help and assist.

Image Credit: The Sun [Police investigating a collision between a van and a tram.]

"We understand the effect an incident such as this will have had on any witnesses and our thoughts are with everyone concerned.". A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services are responding to reports of a collision involving a tram and a van in Manchester city centre.

"A three-year-old girl was taken to hospital and has sadly passed away from her injuries. "No arrests have been made and a scene remains in place around the Mosley Street, Booth Street and Nicholas Street areas whilst officers conduct their investigation.

"The driver of the van fled the scene and officers are following several lines of enquiry to locate him.". One witness told Manchester Evening News that he didn't see the crash but he heard it. He told of how the "the tram hit the van and it just didn't stop,".

"We checked our CCTV and could pretty much see what happened," he added. "The tram was across the road and the van came out. The tram hit the van and the van carried on. "It basically took the front of the tram with it.". Emergency services deployed ambulances, a rapid response vehicles, air ambulance crew, and senior clinicians.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the little girl who sadly passed away following an incident in Manchester city centre today. "We attended the scene at Mosley Street this morning at 9.58am, responding with two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, two air ambulance crews and several senior clinicians.".

Pedestrians in the centre were reportedly not surprised to see an accident in the busy spot because there's "just a stop sign" preventing collisions. Tributes have poured in for the little girl with many sharing heartfelt messages on social media. One Facebook user wrote: "This is absolutely awful, I'm here today with my little lad and it's so scary to think of. R.I.P to that little angel.".

Others responded: "So very very sad indeed may this poor little angel rip amen prayers flow out to her poor family and friends.". Another said: "Gosh this is devastating. That poor baby and family.". A fourth added: "This is so sad poor family of the little girl and so sad for this little girl who's lost her life.".

Mosley Street remains closed and all trams have been suspended at St Peter's Square. Traffic officers have warned that there will be severe delays following the smash. Manchester City council shared a message to the family of the tot offering its support.