Roof torn off double-decker bus in Emsworth after railway '˜bridge strike'

A DOUBLE-DECKER bus lost its roof in a crash in Emsworth this afternoon.
The Emsworth and District bus without its roof, after hitting the bridge. Credit: John HorsmanThe Emsworth and District bus without its roof, after hitting the bridge. Credit: John Horsman
The Emsworth and District bus without its roof, after hitting the bridge. Credit: John Horsman

An Emsworth and District bus had its roof torn off after hitting a railway bridge in North Street at about 2pm.

Pictures from the scene – which show a build-up in traffic with the bus’ sliced-off roof left below the bridge – were captured by John Horsman, a passing driver for courier service Stellar Despatch.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Describing what he saw, Mr Horsman, 60, said: ‘I was driving up North Street and saw there was someone making a U-turn.

The bus' roof after it was sliced off by the railway bridge in North Street. Credit: John HorsmanThe bus' roof after it was sliced off by the railway bridge in North Street. Credit: John Horsman
The bus' roof after it was sliced off by the railway bridge in North Street. Credit: John Horsman

‘As they as they moved I saw the bus with no top on it and the roof under the bridge.

‘It was bizarre.’

Speaking to The News, Emsworth and District director Caren Lea said: ‘Unfortunately a bus travelling light has had a bridge strike.

‘No passengers were on board, there were no injuries and we are currently investigating the incident.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A driver for Stellar Despatch for the past year-and-a-half, Mr Horsman added: ‘I was glad to hear no one was hurt.

‘But I was surprised as a local firm they [Emsworth and District] did not know about the danger of the bridge.’

Traffic along North Street is now flowing freely.