Isle of Wight crash: One dead and more than 20 injured after cars collide with double-decker bus

Major incident declared after passengers were trapped in wreckage of smash

The bus wreckage on Sunday night: the driver had to be cut free (PA)

A woman in her 60s has died and 22 others have been injured after a crash involving two cars and a double-decker bus on the Isle of Wight.

Several people were trapped in the wreckage following the smash in Forest Road, near Newport, shortly after 1pm on Sunday.

Four of the injured were airlifted to mainland hospitals. Another 15 were transferred to the island’s St Mary’s Hospital. The remaining three injured were treated at the scene.

Justin Harden, group commander with the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, told the island’s County Press newspaper: “My thoughts are with the deceased’s family, on behalf of everybody here.

“It has been a significant incident, the like of which we have not seen for some time.”

The woman who died was travelling in a Fiat Bravo with three other people who were taken to hospital in a “serious condition”, Hampshire Police said.

The bus driver, a man in his 50s who had to be cut from his cab, was also believed to have been seriously injured along with 10 of his passengers.

A police statement added: “Ten passengers who were travelling on the bus have also been taken to hospital as a precaution. Four people travelling in a silver Mini Cooper, were also taken to hospital as a precaution.”

A spokesperson for Isle of Wight NHS Trust said a major incident was declared shortly before 2pm.

“The Isle of Wight NHS Trust can confirm that four people have been airlifted to mainland hospitals and currently 15 patients have been brought into St Mary’s Hospital,” she added.

Holidaymaker Alisha Smith, who was on board the bus – a Southern Vectis service – told reporters at the scene: “We were driving down the road. A mini pulled out from a side road.

“The driver did his best to avoid it, but we hit and then bounced on to hit another car following in a different direction.”

The 23-year-old added: “The next thing I know, I was on the floor and got up to see if everyone was okay.

“A few hurt and covered in blood, but no one severely injured at the top. It was very frightening. I just hope everyone else is okay.”

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Southern Vectis general manager Richard Tyldsley said: “Early indications suggest a car pulled out in front of a route 7 bus and our driver was unable to avoid it. The bus was forced into the path of another car.

“At this stage the full circumstances of the incident are unclear but sadly I understand one of the cars’ occupants has died.

“This is very distressing for all concerned and I would like to pass our sincere condolences to their family and friends.”

The operator would assist the police and conduct its own investigation, he added.