AN investigation has been launched into an accident on the Metrolink tram line when a man in a “vulnerable condition” fell on to the track.

The government’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch is looking into the incident which occurred at 10.55pm on Tuesday, March 12 at the Ashton stop.

The passenger had exited a tram that had arrived at the stop. He then leant on the side of the tram as it departed.

Once the tram had left, he was no longer supported by it and he fell from the tram stop platform on to the track.

He remained there until he was seen by the driver of the next tram to arrive at Ashton.

The driver of that tram stopped short of the passenger and summoned the emergency services. The passenger was taken to hospital.

A spokesperson for the investigators said: “We will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the accident, and will consider:

• the actions of the driver of the departing tram

• the training and guidance provided to tram drivers in considering when it is safe to move a tram

• the guidance given to Metrolink staff relating to vulnerable members of the public on tram services

• the way the incident was managed by the parties involved

• any underlying management factors

"Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry, the British Transport Police or by the industry’s regulator Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.