A double-decker bus crash in Glasgow city centre on Saturday evening left eight people injured, including one critically, after the vehicle collided with a railway bridge on Cook Street. The incident occurred around 18:00 GMT, when the roof of the 4A First Bus was partially torn off as it became wedged under the low bridge.
Details of the Crash
Eyewitness accounts suggest the driver had taken a wrong turn onto Cook Street, which is a one-way route. The railway bridge, located near the O2 Academy and clearly marked with a height restriction of 3.8 metres (12.5 ft), proved too low for the bus to pass under safely.
Passenger Spike Turner, who was seated third from the front, recounted the harrowing experience, describing how the bus collided “straight into the bridge.” Turner said, “The lady in front of me might have been concussed. The bridge itself wasn’t high enough to hit anyone’s heads, but parts of the bus exterior have swung down.”
He also observed that a man seated in the front was severely injured, sustaining a deep head wound and significant blood loss. “He was in a really, really bad state,” Turner added.
Emergency Response
Five passengers were transported to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for medical attention, while three others received treatment at the scene before being admitted to hospital for further evaluation.
Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and Network Rail responded promptly to the incident. Roads in the vicinity, including Cook Street, Commerce Street, Centre Street, Wallace Street, and Salkeld Street, were cordoned off to facilitate rescue and investigation efforts.
A Police Scotland spokesperson urged motorists to avoid the area and confirmed an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Impact on Transport
The crash also disrupted train services, as ScotRail announced the suspension or revision of multiple routes. Affected lines include services between Glasgow Central and Ardrossan Harbour, Ayr, Largs, Gourock, Wemyss Bay, and Paisley Canal.
A ScotRail spokesperson stated, “Train services will be cancelled, delayed, or revised until further notice as we work to assess the impact of the crash on the railway infrastructure.”
Recurring Incident at the Bridge
This is not the first time this railway bridge has been the site of a similar accident. In May of last year, 10 people were injured when another bus collided with the same low bridge. Despite the clear height restriction signage, the bridge remains a hazard for high vehicles, raising questions about whether additional preventive measures should be implemented.
Official Statements
First Bus expressed its concern over the incident, acknowledging the injuries sustained by passengers and confirming the launch of an internal investigation. A spokesperson for the company said, “We have launched an immediate investigation and are also assisting Police Scotland with their inquiries.”
Network Rail has also been approached for comment on whether additional safety measures are being considered for the area.
Community Concerns
Residents and commuters have voiced concerns over the frequency of such incidents at the Cook Street railway bridge. Many are calling for improved warning systems, such as flashing height sensors or more prominent signage, to prevent future collisions.
Looking Ahead
While investigations are ongoing, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured passengers and ensuring the bridge is safe for use by both vehicles and trains. Transport authorities are expected to review safety protocols in the area to avoid similar accidents in the future.
This latest crash serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by low bridges and the critical need for vigilance and clear communication in road and transport planning.
