Man arrested following Manchester tram crash which killed three-year-old girl

A man has been arrested following a tram crash in Manchester which killed a three-year-old girl.

Greater Manchester Police arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a collision between a van and Metrolink tram in Manchester city centre.

The collision occurred around 10am Saturday (22nd February) morning, near Manchester Art Gallery.

During the collision, the van was forced onto the pavement, where it hit a three-year-old pedestrian.

The girl was attended by first responders and rushed to hospital, where she later died of her injuries.

She has now been formally named as Louisa (Lulu) Palmisano from Burnley.

In a statement, her parents said: “Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl. She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day. Her absence has left a devastating void in our family – she was our only child, our whole world.

“We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair. The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.”

Louisa (Lulu) Palmisano via Greater Manchester Police

A huge emergency services response was prompted by the collision, with two air ambulances rushing to the scene.

Metrolink services experienced major disruption as roads around the incident temporarily closed.

The van driver is understood to have fled the scene, and an investigation was launched by GMP.

In a statement released on Saturday by GMP, Assistant Chief Constable Stephanie Parker said that the incident was being treated as an isolated incident with no wider threat to the community.

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Detective Sergeant Andrew Page, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “The family are being supported by specialist officers and have requested that the public and press respect their privacy at this time.

“We have arrested a suspect and have brought him into custody.

“This is still an active investigation, and we are looking for anyone who has any information regarding the case to come forward to get in touch with us. Please contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1086 of 22/02/25.

“Alternatively, details can be shared on our LiveChat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”