The driver is still in hospital after 'devastating' accident
A man has died and another remains in hospital after a car crashed into the historic Black Friar pub in Salford.
At around 3.30am this morning (18 July) police officers on patrol witnessed a vehicle collide with the building on Blackfriars Road, Salford, and subsequently catch fire.
North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service also attended and the two men were taken to hospital where the passenger, aged 23, sadly died despite the best efforts of the emergency services.
The driver, also 23, remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
The team at The Black Friar were left shaken as both the interior and exterior of the pub were damaged by the road traffic collision.
The pub had undergone an estimated £2 million refurbishment programme and was just over a week from reopening after a 15-year closure.
The traditional red-brick building, which is Grade II listed, occupies a corner of the busy junction of Blackfriars Road and Trinity Way. It was preserved as part of the Salboy development that surrounds the pub.
Blackfriars Road and Trinity Way were both closed this morning as the accident was investigated but both reopened by noon. An investigation by GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is underway.
The Black Friar Pub is known as one of the most historic in Salford and has survived and at many times thrived for nearly 140 years. Salboys revived the pub after a 15-year hiatus, during which it lay derelict due to fire damage.
Neil Burke, Managing Director of The Black Friar said: “With just over a week to go until we open our doors this is a devastating blow however our first thoughts are with those involved in this morning’s accident. We’re going to do everything we can to try and get our pub open on the 27 July as planned and we’ll be in touch with those who have made bookings as soon as we know more.”
PC Andrew Nicholson of Greater Manchester Police said: "This is a tragic incident in which a man has sadly lost his life. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
"I would also like to praise the bravery of the officers who rescued the men from vehicle and the work of the emergency services at the scene.
"An investigation is under way into the circumstances leading up to the crash - anybody with information or dashcam footage of this collision is asked to call police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 594 of 18/07/21."
Information can also be reported online or by using the Live Chat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
If you cannot report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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