Eight people were hospitalised after a double-decker bus collided with a railway bridge in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, on Thursday.
The Stagecoach-operated vehicle suffered significant damage, with dramatic images revealing its roof completely torn off by the impact.
The incident occurred just days after a similar crash in Glasgow, where another double-decker bus struck a railway bridge, leaving a 60-year-old man critically injured and six others hurt.
Emergency Response and Statement
Police Scotland reported that eight passengers from the Kilmarnock crash were transported to hospital, though none sustained serious injuries.
The Scottish Ambulance Service responded promptly, dispatching an ambulance and three Special Operations Response Teams (SORT) to the scene at approximately 1:55 pm.
A police spokesperson stated: “Officers were called to a collision involving a double-decker bus on Culzean Crescent, Kilmarnock, around 1:55 pm on Thursday, 19 December 2024.
Eight passengers were taken to hospital. There are no reports of serious injuries. Investigations are ongoing, and the road was reopened at 5:30 pm.”
Operator and Witness Accounts
Stagecoach West Scotland confirmed the incident involved their service number six, which operates between Kilmarnock Bus Station and New Farm Loch.
A representative said: “The bus struck a low bridge. We are aware of two passengers injured, currently receiving medical attention. We are working closely with Police Scotland as investigations continue.”
Related Incident in Glasgow
The crash follows a separate incident in Glasgow last Saturday, where a double-decker bus struck another railway bridge.
Six individuals, including a 52-year-old woman and five men aged between 30 and 41, were treated for minor injuries and later discharged from the hospital.
The driver in the Glasgow crash, Alan Carey, 49, admitted to dangerous driving at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
Carey, employed by First Bus at the time, took a wrong turn at a diversion. He received a one-year driving ban and was sentenced to 96 hours of unpaid community service.
The two incidents have raised concerns about driver awareness and the safety of routes involving low bridges.
Authorities continue to investigate both crashes to prevent future occurrences.
