“We were advised that some pupils from nearby schools were on board and one of our headteachers was first on scene, providing incredible assistance and support
When a double-decker bus struck a railroad overpass yesterday, schoolchildren were among the people hurt.
Eight individuals were taken to the neighboring University Hospital Crosshouse after emergency personnel responded to the horrific incident at Culzean Crescent in Kilmarnock at 1:55 p.m. on Thursday. Following reports of the bus “crashing through the tunnel” beneath the bridge, the roof was ripped off, causing minor injuries to the students on board.
Images from the crash site show the wrecked bus, with its roof lying in the middle of the road on the other side of the bridge. East Ayrshire Council confirmed pupils were among those injured in the incident.
“We can confirm that East Ayrshire Council was alerted to the incident and officers from Ayrshire Roads Alliance,” an East Ayrshire Council spokesperson stated. Emergency services on the scene have been assisted by Health and Safety and Education Services.
“We were advised that some pupils from nearby schools were on board and one of our headteachers was first on scene, providing incredible assistance and support to pupils. Fortunately, they sustained only minor injuries and officers from Education Services have been liaising with affected families.
“Police Scotland, Stagecoach and Network Rail have since advised that they do not require any further assistance from the Council at this time.”
Police Scotland previously said there were no reports of serious injuries. The road was closed in both directions, with officers advising locals to avoid the area, but reopened at 5.30pm. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
Passersby told the Record how they heard an “awful noise” before the bus appeared through the tunnel, with the road left littered with debris. Ronnie Smith, 51, a local warehouse operative, said: “I walked under the bridge during my dog walk and we had just entered a nearby park when I heard an almighty bang.
“I quickly turned around and saw the bus crashing through the tunnel under the bridge. The whole roof was sliced off. We ran back across the road to see if anybody needed help. A few passengers were in shock
“The neighbours began coming out to help and brought out towels for any injuries. Lots of onlookers then started to arrive in cars videoing the aftermath. I decided to leave with the dog. I walked home under the bridge and it was completely covered in metal and broken glass.”
“The neighbours began coming out to help and brought out towels for any injuries. Lots of onlookers then started to arrive in cars videoing the aftermath. I decided to leave with the dog. I walked home under the bridge and it was completely covered in metal and broken glass.”
The 38-year-old said: “I was on my way to Asda and heard an awful noise. I then saw all the debris on the road and the bus at the other side of the bridge. As I got round the corner, I was horrified to see the roof of the bus stripped away from the vehicle. I saw a few people standing up on the top deck so me and my partner jumped out to offer help.
“We stayed until the emergency services arrived. It was horrific to see the mess and debris.”
The bus and its roof were recovered from the area. Network Rail confirmed the bridge had not sustained any structural damage following inspection.
An earlier Police Scotland statement said: “Officers were called to a crash involving a double decker bus on Culzean Crescent in Kilmarnock around 1.55pm today. Eight passengers were taken to hospital.
“There are no reports of serious injuries. Enquiries are ongoing into the collision. The road reopened around 5.30pm.”
AÂ Stagecoach West Scotland spokesperson said: “We can confirm there has been an incident involving one of our buses in Kilmarnock this afternoon. The 6 service, which runs from Kilmarnock Bus Station to New Farm Loch, struck a low bridge.
“We are aware of eight people who were injured and are currently being treated by emergency services. Investigations are ongoing and we are working closely with Police Scotland.”
