Thirteen passengers left injured in bus crash

Published on 15/11/2012 02:35

Thirteen passengers were injured in a bus crash which left the vehicle 20 feet down an embankment last night, rescue services said.

The crash happened on the A702 road near Biggar in South Lanarkshire at around 8:30pm.

It is understood that conditions in the area were foggy, and that it had been affected by heavy rain.

Specialist rescue teams were called in to release passengers on the 30-seater bus.

A Strathclyde Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “Crews worked in extreme conditions to stabilise the bus, make the situation safe and assess the casualties.

“It was quickly established that there were a total of 13 casualties with varying injuries who were assisted from the bus and provided with medical assistance from the Scottish Ambulance Service. The rapid and effective rescue operations carried out by the crews at the scene meant that all persons were removed from the bus within the hour of arrival and casualties were taken to hospital for further check-ups.

“The cause of the accident is yet unknown and is being investigated by police.”

A spokeswoman for the Strathclyde force said that bus belonged to Dumfries-based Macewan’s Coach Services, and had been heading to Dumfries when the accident occurred.

Confirming that the driver was among the injured, she added: “Eight passengers were taken to various hospitals: Wishaw General, Edinburgh Royal and Dumfries General. None of the injuries are believed to be life threatening.”

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact them.