Wednesday 22nd October 2025 saw major delays on Manchester Metrolink after the overhead wires were pulled down in the city centre. The incident meant that services on the Ashton line were suspended for much of the day with other amendments also introduced whilst repairs took place.
The incident involved a double unit with 3022+3045 in charge of a service which was travelling between Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly Station. Whilst exact details have not been released it seems that the pantograph of 3045 (as the rear unit) became entangled in the overhead wires and pulled down a section of the overhead from Piccadilly Gardens and on to Aytoun Street.
The problem was reported shortly after 0700 and it led to services being suspended into Piccadilly, onto the Ashton line as well as on 1CC meaning that the stops at Market Street and Shudehill were also closed to all trams.
As the day progressed the following changes were introduced:
- Bury to Victoria
- Altrincham to Victoria
- Eccles to Cornbrook via MediaCityUK
Services between Piccadilly and Ashton were able to resume (albeit with delays) in the late afternoon, although the section between Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly remained closed with further repairs required to the overhead.
Presumably, 3045 will now be joining the ranks of the out of service trams following the damage.