Two men injured in 'runaway' bus crash in Glasgow city centre

A service bus with an empty driver’s seat was seen rolling down Renfield Street by eyewitnesses

First Glasgow has confirmed that one of their vehicles was involved in the incident (PA)

Two men have been injured after a “runaway” bus crashed into other vehicles in Glasgow city centre.

A service bus with an empty driver’s seat was seen by eyewitnesses rolling down Renfield Street just before 4pm on Monday.

Police Scotland said two men had been taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for injuries following the incident.

A police statement said officers were called to reports of a bus “travelling south in Renfield Street having collided with a stationary car at traffic lights at West George Street. The car moved forward and struck a pedestrian on Renfield Street.”

It said the bus then continued to travel on Renfield Street before it collided with a stationary bus near to St Vincent Street, which then nudged into another stationary bus on Renfield Street.

According to one witness the driver was seen exiting the vehicle to visit a newsagent and chased after the bus when it began to move.

Arran Watkins, managing director of AW Painters and Decorators, told Press Association: “When a bus stops it normally makes a hissing noise and then it lowers itself, but in this case, the bus didn't do that.

"The driver ran into a newsagents and the bus started rolling down the hill.

"He chased after it, but the bus hit a blue Renault Twingo which was then smashed forward and hit a pedestrian.”

He added: "It also hit a bus waiting at the traffic lights and that one went into other buses. They are fairly squished and compacted together.”

"There were passengers on the other buses.

"I saw the passengers coming out holding their necks, so there will probably be some other minor injuries."

First Glasgow has confirmed that one of their vehicles was involved in the incident.

A First Glasgow spokesman said: "We've launched an immediate investigation and will work closely with the emergency authorities to determine exactly what happened.

"Our thoughts at this time are with the two men who were injured as a result of the incident."

Police Scotland said: “Police are appealing for information following an incident involving a bus in Glasgow city centre on Monday 18 July 2016.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident, including reviewing CCTV footage, and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101."

Additional reporting by Press Association