12:10pm Thursday 2nd September 2010
By Claire Fox
Carshalton shopkeepers watched in horror as the runaway coach crashed into six cars and three shops along the high street.
Patricia Pink, who owns Pinks Gym on the high street, was in the gym's reception as the incident unfolded.
She said: “It happened so quickly.
“The coach was coming along the high street towards the pond. It started veering across the road and crashed into all the cars coming in the opposite direction.
"I thought it was coming into the gym but it missed us by about 6 inches.
"There was a terrific bang when it hit the first car. The noise was horrific. I was shaking all night.
“I can't believe there wasn't anyone on the pavement."
Barry Gough, who co-owns Carshalton Antique Galleries, was in his flat above the shop when the coach hit.
He said: “I heard the first bang and looked out of my front window to see the coach going past.
“It hit a car outside Pinks Gym and pushed it all the way down the high street to outside the mortgage shop.
“I rushed out because I thought the driver of the car would need help. I asked where he was and couldn't believe it when he tapped me on the shoulder.
“The coach has shoved the front of my shop sideways and ripped off the signs.
“I can't think of a moment when someone isn't walking past my shop. It is a total miracle that one one was seriously hurt.”
Alec Ure is the publican at the Coach and Horses opposite the row of shops where the coach crashed. He and others at the pub offered drinks to those caught up in the crash.
He said: “I was helping out behind the bar when all of a sudden everyone rushed outside.
“It looked horrific and it is amazing there aren't more physical injuries to people.
“We asked if there was anything we could do to help.
“One man came into the pub shaking, but just asked for a handful of sugar as he was diabetic. He came back in on Saturday to say thank you.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/trade_directory/