Double decker bus carrying 16 passengers topples into ditch in Somerset

A double decker bus carrying 16 passengers has toppled over into a ditch in Somerset, injuring two.

The number 21 Taunton service crashed just after 1pm on the Coast Road in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.

According to the BBC, the bus company, First Somerset, said the drainage ditch collapsed under the weight of the bus, but that, thankfully, nobody was seriously injured.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said two people suffered minor injuries, telling the Western Morning News: "One was taken to Weston General Hospital, the other was taken to Burnham-on-Sea's minor injury unit. The road was closed and the bus has now been recovered by the bus company."

A spokesperson from Devon and Somerset Fire Service told Burnham-on-Sea.com: "Appliances from Burnham and a rescue tender from Taunton were mobilised and on arrival confirmed that the vehicle was on its side in a water filled rhyne. Crews worked to stabilise the vehicle using two winches and also assisted ambulance crews to rescue passengers from the lower level of the bus."

"Crews used small tools to remove seats from the bus which enabled the rescue of an elderly lady who was medically trapped on the lower level. She was removed to hospital by ambulance. Other passengers were led to safety, one of whom was recommended to attend hospital."

Police are investigating the incident.

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