Bus crash leaves woman and boy, 8, dead

An eight-year-old died along with a woman, while a third person is seriously injured after double-decker crashed into supermarket

At least six people were injured, when a double-decker bus ploughed into a Sainsbury's supermarket this evening.

Shocked locals described scenes of "absolute mayhem" as they tried to rescue children trapped under the seats on the top deck.

The bus collided with a number of cars and a lamppost before crashing into the open supermarket in Trinity Street, Coventry, at around 6pm, West Midlands Police said.

A child was among the casualties taken to hospital.

Maneer Fiaz was getting some food from a shop opposite when he heard a "loud bang" and saw people running to the scene.

He told Sky News: "I came outside the shop and saw the bus was smashed into the cashpoint. I ran towards the driver and he was surprisingly alive.

"People were trying to get the driver out. The kids were trapped underneath the seats upstairs. It was absolute chaos.

"We got the driver out through the window.

"People were just running towards the scene trying to help people get out. The only thing on people's minds was the two kids stuck on the top, they couldn't get out of the bus. People were just waiting for the ambulance service to come."

A video posted on Twitter shows the bus with its windows smashed as one woman screams "oh my God, there is a kid pushing through the seat".

West Midlands Police said: "A number of people were trapped on the top of the double decker; three people are seriously injured and five other people have more minor injuries.

"West Midlands Police is working with fellow emergency services including fire and ambulance."

In a statement West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "Five people have been taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. A child has been taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"Two people have been assessed and discharged at the scene."

An air ambulance, paramedics, five ambulances and the Hazardous Area Response Team were all on the scene.

Sainsbury's was open at the time, but it is unclear if anyone inside the store was hurt.

A Sainsbury's spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that earlier this evening a bus mounted the pavement in Trinity Place, stopping when it made contact with the store.

"We can confirm that we have no colleagues injured. We are working on the ground with the emergency services."

Police have launched an investigation into what caused the crash and road closures remain in place around the area.

A spokeswoman for Stagecoach Midlands said: "We can confirm that one of our vehicles was involved in a serious incident earlier this evening. The service involved was the 17.33 X18 service from Coventry to Leamington.

"Our first thoughts are with the people who have been involved. The safety of our passengers and staff is our highest priory and we are assisting the police fully with their investigation into the circumstances of the incident."