Two passengers were injured this afternoon (Thursday) when a double decker bus with 17 people onboard fell onto its side in a ditch in Berrow.
The bus toppled over in Coast Road at 12.50pm, prompting a big response from local emergency services.
The driver of the bus had apparently pulled over to let a car through when the verge had collapsed. Several people inside, including a pensioner, were helped free by emergency services.
Police spokesman Craig Evry told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The double decker bus tipped over onto its side. There were 17 people on board, the driver and 16 passengers. Two people were injured, none of them seriously, and were taken to Weston General Hopsital and Burnham Minor Injuries unit.”
A spokesperson from Devon and Somerset Fire Service added: “Avon & Somerset Police requested our attendance at an incident involving a double decker bus which had driven into a rhyne and was in a precarious position with some passengers still inside the vehicle.”
“Appliances from Burnham and a rescue tender from Taunton were mobilised and on arrival confirmed that the vehicle was on its side in a water filled rhyne. Crews worked to stabilise the vehicle using two winches and also assisted ambulance crews to rescue passengers from the lower level of the bus.”
“Crews used small tools to remove seats from the bus which enabled the rescue of an elderly lady who was medically trapped on the lower level. She was removed to hospital by ambulance. Other passengers were led to safety, one of whom was recommended to attend hospital.”
A spokeswoman for First UK Bus said the bus was service 21, between Taunton and Burnham, via Brean.
“The vehicle ended up in the ditch and the ditch collapsed due to the weight of the vehicle,” the spokeswoman said. “A full investigation is ongoing.”
She said the driver of the bus was unhurt, with one passenger reported as “walking wounded. We are co-operating fully with the police with their investigation as to what caused the incident.”
The bus was left at a 45 degree angle in the ditch
The bus was towed away by a recovery service later on Thursday afternoon
