Three people were seen walking away from the vehicle
15:31, 18 Jan 2026Updated 15:58, 18 Jan 2026
Three people were seen walking away from the car(Image: Councillor Alan Good)
A BMW was abandoned on a Metrolink tram track, sparking two hours of travel chaos in Greater Manchester. Services were suspended on the Ashton line, with no trams running between the Tameside town and Manchester Piccadilly earlier today (January 18).
Twelve stops were out of service through Tameside and east Manchester as a result. A blue BMW 3 Series came to a stop on the tracks between New Islington tram stop and the tunnel which leads to Manchester Piccadilly.
Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle being abandoned. An image from the scene shows three people walking up the track, away from the BMW and towards New Islington.
Multiple witnesses also reported a ‘strong smell of alcohol’ coming from inside the car. Greater Manchester Police has been approached for further details.
Ancoats and Beswick councillor Alan Good witnessed the BMW heading down the track, before coming to a stop. He said: “I was at my local tram stop in New Islington and a BMW just drove down the tram tracks.
A car on the tram tracks near New Islington tram stop.(Image: Jason Roberts / Manchester Evening News)
“It obviously stopped because of the drop, might have busted a tyre. No way it’s getting out without getting towed.”
Recovery workers later attended the scene, with the car removed from the track by 12.30pm. Trams soon resumed with ‘severe delays’, which have since cleared.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told the M.E.N. it is understood a car drove up the tracks and broke down. Officers attended and are now making keeper enquiries to find owner.
There are no reported injuries and no arrests made. The vehicle was removed by TFGM.