12:00pm Wednesday 15th August 2001
HOLIDAYMAKERS came to the rescue when a blundering Plumstead bus driver crashed a double-decker full of day-tripping evangelists into a seaside bridge.
Sightseers ran to help when the bus full of Woolwich tourists wedged itself under Southend Pier last Saturday at 6.30pm.
Ambulances took 20 of the passengers, including children, to hospital after the collision, and roads were closed while structural engineers assessed the full extent of the damage. Police cordoned off the area before it was confirmed the bridge would not collapse.
The 48-year-old driver, who has not been named, is still being questioned by Essex Police about the circumstances of the crash.
The 75 passengers on board the bus returned home late on Saturday night when the last of them was discharged from hospital. They were too shocked to comment following the accident.
Eyewitness Joyce Keeble, 44, from Southend, said: "I can't believe nobody was killed. The top was almost sliced off, and if one of those kids was standing up they would have lost their head."
Divisional fire commander Martyn Hodder said: "When we arrived at the pier, the driver looked extremely shaken and was being lead away.
"The crash had taken eight inches off the top of the bus and had pushed the roof back like a concertina. It was extremely fortunate no-one was badly hurt."
The fire brigade believe if the bus had not been filled to its 75-person capacity, the error would have resulted in tragedy.
"Luckily, when a vehicle like this is fully loaded, it sinks lower on the road because of the extra weight," explained commander Hodder. A spokesman for Southend-on-Sea Council, which owns the bridge, explained the low bridge was well signposted for drivers.
She said: "Only vehicles under 4.1 meters can pass under the pier at Marine Parade and this is very well signposted along the approach.
"The council has also installed a warning mechanism which alerts vehicles which are too large with flashing signs before they get to the pier. There was minor damage to the pier, but we are relieved the passengers escaped serious injury."
August 15, 2001 9:32
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