Darlington bus crash: Elderly woman killed as bus careers into bank in busy high street

Bus smash: the aftermath of the collision in Darlington
PA
Robin de Peyer7 July 2016

An elderly woman has died after a bus careered into a bank in a busy town centre.

The 52-year-old man who was driving the vehicle has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, Durham Police said.

The woman was killed when the 50-seater Arriva bus crashed into a branch of the Halifax in Northgate in Darlington town centre.

Two other people were injured.

Chief Inspector Graham Milne, of Durham Police, said: "Obviously this is a tragic incident and I would like to extend my condolences to the deceased's family."

The two pedestrians who were hurt have been taken to hospital but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Janet Langan, a retired civil servant, who lives in Branksome, on the edge of Darlington, came out of the Queen Street Shopping Centre just after the crash happened.

"The driver's side of the bus was inside the bank. People were being sick and people were crying and I saw a man under the wheels. Then they started to put the green screen up so I couldn't see," the 64-year-old said.

"The emergency services were there very quickly so I started to walk away because I didn't want to look.

"That turning is just a death-trap. It's the second time this has happened. About 18 months ago a bus went skew-whiff at the sharp turn by Boots and Halifax, but not like this.

"I use that bus - the number 2 - every day. The only reason I wasn't outside the bank is because I went to buy a tin of paint. That's what has stunned me more than anything - that I would have been there.

"I just stood with my mouth open and couldn't believe it."

Arriva issued a statement which read: "We can confirm that an Arriva bus (Service 2 from Branksome to Red Hall) has been involved in an accident today in Northgate, Darlington.

"An investigation has been launched and we are co-operating fully with the emergency services and the police, who are leading the investigation.

"Our thoughts are with the families of those involved.

A Halifax spokesman said: "An incident took place this morning outside the Halifax branch in Darlington. The branch is currently closed and emergency services are in attendance."

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