Two killed by careering bus

TWO WOMEN died yesterday after being struck and dragged under a bus which mounted a pavement and ploughed through safety barriers at Sunderland bus station.

A two-year-old child suffered serious head injuries and was transferred to Newcastle General Hospital.

Seven other people also struck by the bus were hospitalised with various injuries.

Northumbria Police said the single-decker Stagecoach bus veered out of control as it entered the bus station in the city centre. The two women had been waiting on a seat inside the station.

The driver of the bus, from Sunderland, was also taken to hospital and is said to be in "deep shock". Police were last night waiting at the hospital to talk to him.

Inspector Ken Short, who is leading the investigation, said: "For some reason as yet unknown the bus went out of control and collided with a number of people who were either queuing for a bus or inside the station." He would not speculate about the cause of the accident.

The driver has worked for Stagecoach for 12 months but it is believed he has worked as a bus driver for 20 years and is one of the most experienced drivers on the staff.

Police said last night they were not yet in a position to release information about the two women who have died or the name of the injured toddler.

A spokesman for Stagecoach said: "We are deeply shocked by this tragic accident and our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured."

John Lamb, 68, of Sunderland, who helped comfort one injured person, said: "I heard a massive smash and when I looked around the bus just ploughed through the bus stop. I saw a woman and a young child under the wheels."

Temporary divisional officer Alan Brown, of Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade, said: "The crews were very distressed by what they encountered. Just imagine a packed bus station and a bus careering through it."