Firefighters begin grim task of transporting coronavirus dead from overwhelmed hospitals to a makeshift mortuary in industrial park that can hold up to 1,000 bodies
- Bodies being taken from hospitals in Greater Manchester to a special mortuary
- The new mortuary in Trafford can hold up to 1,000 bodies in an industrial park
- It opened on Monday and is located close to the Trafford Centre shopping centre
- The mortuary is also two miles from Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
Firefighters are taking bodies of coronavirus victims from overwhelmed hospitals to a makeshift mortuary as the death toll rises.
Crews have started transporting the dead from hospital mortuaries in Greater Manchester to a special mortuary which can held up to 1,000 bodies in an industrial park.
They began transporting the dead yesterday morning.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said all the firefighters involved had ‘volunteered’ for the grim task.
Screens cover the entrance to an industrial unit, in Trafford Park, that is being prepared as a temporary mortuary (pictured on Monday)
The new mortuary in Trafford Park opened on Monday near the Trafford Centre shopping centre and two miles from Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground (it is pictured on Monday)
A spokesperson said: ‘GMFRS has asked all our workforce what additional activities they would be willing to undertake to support Greater Manchester’s coronavirus response, and we are very grateful to all those who have volunteered to take on additional activities.
‘This has included supporting the mortuary at Trafford Park.
‘From Wednesday 15 April a number of operational staff members have begun to take some of those people who have sadly died in hospital, from the hospital mortuary to the Trafford Mortuary as part of these additional activities.’
A total of 12,868 people in the UK have died from Covid-19 and 98,476 infected.
Mass graves have already been dug in Northern Ireland.
Crews have started transporting the dead from hospital mortuaries in Greater Manchester to a special mortuary which can held up to 1,000 bodies in an industrial park (the morgue is pictured on Monday)
The new mortuary in Trafford Park opened on Monday near the Trafford Centre shopping centre and two miles from Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground.
Assistant Chief Constable for Greater Manchester Police, Nick Bailey, said: ‘Unfortunately, in these unprecedented times, it has been necessary to prepare for an additional temporary place of rest for Greater Manchester.
‘We sought volunteers from both police staff and officers to operate the facility, and their response has been humbling.
‘In less than 24 hours we received enough volunteers to put us in a position to open this vital facility.
‘I would like to personally thank all those who have volunteered. You are a credit to the force. It will be of great comfort to the bereaved that your dedication in helping staff this site will allow us to continue treating those who have sadly passed away with the dignity and respect they deserve.’