Mum's agony after colliding with bus rail

Zoe Hydes, of The Ridings, Hilsea, was travelling on a number 3 bus from Portchester to Hilsea on Friday, May 20 at around 4.55pm when she fell into the rail after the bus driver braked sharply.

Miss Hydes, who works in construction, was taken to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham by ambulance the following Monday due to the pain.

After returning for a check-up last Wednesday, she was told she had fractured her collarbone in two places.

She said: ‘I went up to get off at my usual stop in Hilsea as the bus was slowing down.

‘I saw the driver look at me in his mirror twice before he braked really hard and I went flying into the handrail.

‘I thought I had just hurt my shoulder, but after I got home, I found myself in constant pain. I was feeling light-headed and dizzy and I couldn’t even sleep.’

Ms Hydes, who has an 11-year-old daughter Teneka, rang bus firm First Solent to report the incident.

She claims the company said it could not process her claim without the bus’ internal four-digit code.

Since then, the company has now issued Ms Hydes with an apology and an investigation into the incident has been opened.

A spokeswoman for First Solent said: ‘We are very sorry to hear about Ms Hydes’ experience and we are currently fully investigating the circumstances.

‘We take passenger safety very seriously and part of our current inquiry is to identify the driver involved, after which appropriate action will be taken.’

The incident has led to eight weeks off work for Ms Hydes, who has been supported by friends and her daughter.

She added: ‘I’m lucky my friends and family can help me out, but Teneka should not have to. An 11-year-old girl shouldn’t have to do things that are her mum’s responsibilities.’

Ms Hydes is due to return to the QA on July 6 for another check-up.