Tower Bridge Road bus crash - woman killed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7410203.stm


Cue for the bus companies to cut down all the trees that grow at the sides of our roads? Grrrr.

A double-decker bus collided with a tree near Tower Bridge in central London today, killing one woman and injuring nine.

The incident happened at 9.23am when a No 188 bus collided with a tree at the junction of Tower Bridge Road and Tanner Street. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and nine people were taken to two hospitals in the centre of the capital.

A Metropolitan police spokesman told guardian.co.uk that officers were trying to establish "whether the bus collided with the tree or the tree fell on to the bus. We're just not sure yet."

Tower Bridge Road, Tanner Street, Druid Street and Jamaica Road have been closed until further notice.

see http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/may/20/transport.london

When I read this it makes me ashamed to sit tut tutting over being stuck in the traffic, when somewhere today will be all those tears.

Just back from the scene; story to follow ASAP.

Perhaps it would be an idea to cut down trees if they're going to cause accidents like this...

Pics: http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/3316

More to follow.

Sky say the woman was a pedestrian not a passenger so the tree may have been hit as a result of the accident not a cause of it?

In the old days of London Transport as drivers we were assured that over hanging trees would be kept under control on main bus routes, but to still be vigilant and look out for damaged branches. In training we were taught that in the event of being diverted off our route to be mindful of steep cambers, low telegraph wires, shop awnings, low bridges and overhanging trees etc. No longer driving London buses, but I have noticed when I come into the Capital the increasing number of overhanging trees and the addition of these 'crash bars' on the nearside upper portion near the top windscreen. The trees really need to be cut back (not cut down) in order to maintain the safe passage of the buses negotiating the ever busier streets of London whatever the outcome of this awful tragedy.

This is awful for person killed and people injured but it will be a dreadful shame if all the trees get chopped down because of it.

Video shot by Charles Fayinka who works for IDM at the corner of Tanner Street:

http://www.yournews.itvlocal.com/Clip.aspx?key=2072381F0E1E81CA