Bus driver 'thought he would die' when steam engine crashed into cab
A bus driver who was seriously injured when a steam engine crashed into his cabin has told how he thought he "would die".
Michael Birch, 44, was one of 23 people injured in the accident which saw a traction engine fall off a loading lorry in East Mersea, Colchester, in September.
See also: Birmingham bus crash: Six in hospital after head-on collision
See also: Bus goes up in flames in London
He had to be cut free from the wreckage by firefighters and was airlifted to hospital. He has had seven operations, including stomach surgery, two shoulder operations, skin grafts and the reconstruction of a hand.
He is now recovering at home and has spoken to the BBC about the ordeal.
He said: "I woke up and the bus is a wreck around me, passengers are screaming and I'm sitting in the seat and holding onto my stomach contents, which had just burst out.
"A low-loader had come past, but the traction engine that was on the back had fallen off and smashed into the bus - literally just made a massive, massive mess."
He added that he felt terrible he couldn't help the passengers, adding: "I was worried that with the stomach, the way it was, I just thought I was going to die. People were screaming. It was horrible."
Following the crash, friend Dan Hammett set up a fundraising page for Michael. He told the Gazette News at the time: "It has just been a massive shock for everyone, especially his family.
"The reason we started the fundraising page was because we don't know howmuch he will get in sick pay and his family need to get to see him in London.
"We don't want the family to worry about anything financial at this time."
He described Michael as a "genuine guy" and "the sort of person that deserves some help when he needs it."
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised £1,331 and the target is £2000. Visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com if you want to help.
The BBC adds that a man from Great Yarmouth has arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving has been released on police bail until 3 January.
Related video:
