They say Friday 13th is unlucky and that was certainly the case for Manchester Metrolink in September when a tram derailed at Cornbrook leading to severe delays across the network whilst the tram was rerailed.
The derailment saw 3049 come off the rails at Cornbrook when operating as part of a double unit with 3013. The trams were turning at Cornbrook having terminated with a service from The Trafford Centre when the incident happened just after 0800.
Speaking during the incident, Pete Sommers, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “Engineers are currently on site and are working to re-rail the tram as quickly as possible. Disruption is likely to continue until the early evening peak and I would like to apologise for any disruption to people’s journeys.
“Incidents of this nature are extremely rare and an investigation into the cause of the derailment is underway.”
The derailment meant that there were no trams running between Deansgate-Castlefield and Old Trafford (Altrincham line), Firswood (Airport and East Didsbury lines), MediaCityUK (Eccles line) and Wharfside (The Trafford Centre line). Ticket acceptance was put in place on local bus services to allow passengers to complete their journeys.
As a result of the derailment some trams were stuck between stops and passengers had to de-tram and walk to the nearest stop to resume their plans for the day.
A service resumed through the area during the evening of Friday 13th September.