A bridge too far: Double decker bus smashes into Kearsney railway bridge
A Stagecoach bus crashed
into Kearsney station bridge near Dover. Picture: Stephen
Davies
by Beth Robson and Sue Briggs
A double decker bus has smashed into a railway bridge in
Kearsney near Dover this morning.
The roof of the number 15 bus was almost sheared off when the
driver attempted to pass under the tracks in Alkham Road at
8.50am.
No passengers were on board when the accident happened, but
the driver was treated by paramedics at the scene for shock.
Bus operator Stagecoach has launched an investigation after the
driver is believed to have taken the wrong route.
Kent Police said the road was closed for more than two hours
while the condition of the bridge was checked.
Spokesman Jon Green said: "It was just the driver, who is
unharmed, but a bit shaken up.
"There was quite a lot of damage to the roof."
The road was closed by police until 10.50am with congestion
along the road while diversions were put in place.
"The bridge was undamaged apart from a small bit of damage to a
sign," added Mr Green. "Speed wasn't an issue."
Paul Southgate, managing director of Stagecoach South East,
said: "Safety is our top priority.
"We have immediately launched an investigation into the
incident, which happened at 8.50 this morning.
"The driver of the out-of-service vehicle appears to have taken
the wrong route. There were no passengers on board and the driver
was uninjured, although he was treated for shock at the scene. An
ambulance was called."
Mr Southgate said a replacement vehicle was put into service for
passengers and "significant damage" had been done to the bus.
28/02/13
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