A BMW caused significant disruption to Metrolink tram services in Greater Manchester on January 18, after being abandoned on the tracks. The incident led to two hours of travel chaos, resulting in the suspension of services on the Ashton line between Tameside and Manchester Piccadilly. As a consequence, twelve tram stops across Tameside and east Manchester were out of service.

The vehicle, identified as a blue BMW 3 Series, came to a halt on the tram tracks situated between the New Islington tram stop and the tunnel leading to Manchester Piccadilly. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing individuals abandon the car. An image captured at the location showed three people walking away from the BMW and up the track towards New Islington. Several witnesses also noted a "strong smell of alcohol" emanating from inside the abandoned car.

Councillor Alan Good for Ancoats and Beswick witnessed the BMW driving onto the tracks before it stopped. He commented on the situation, stating, "I was at my local tram stop in New Islington and a BMW just drove down the tram tracks. It obviously stopped because of the drop, might have busted a tyre. No way it's getting out without getting towed."

Recovery operations commenced shortly after, with workers from Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) attending the scene to remove the stranded vehicle. By 12:30 pm, the car had been successfully cleared from the tracks. Following the removal, tram services on the affected line were gradually resumed, initially experiencing "severe delays" which have since cleared.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed their attendance at the scene. A spokesperson for GMP stated that it is understood the car drove onto the tracks and subsequently broke down, leading to its abandonment. Officers are currently conducting "keeper enquiries" to identify and locate the owner of the vehicle. GMP also confirmed that there were no reported injuries stemming from the incident and no arrests have been made at this time. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the driver and the precise circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the car.