Double-Decker Bus Overturns in Oakley – Five Seriously Injured
Hampshire Roads Policing are scrambling after a double-decker bus crashed and overturned on Andover Road (B3400), Oakley. The incident has sparked a major emergency response with police, fire, and ambulance crews on site.
Major Emergency Response Underway
All three emergency services rushed to the scene after the bus flipped on a busy stretch of road. Hampshire Fire and Rescue sent fire crews from Overton, Whitchurch, and Basingstoke, including four fire appliances and a rescue support unit, along with a command and control vehicle. The crash was reported at 12.07pm on Thursday.
South Central Ambulance dispatched 10 ambulances, a Hazardous Area Response Team, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance critical care car, rapid response officers, and senior medical commanders to treat passengers.
Road Closure and Traffic Chaos
Andover Road and Rectory Road remain closed both ways between the Deane Gate Inn and Oakley Village, causing traffic chaos. Diversions have been put in place, but drivers are urged to avoid the area completely. The closure is expected to last until this evening as emergency teams continue their work.
Driver Had Seizure, 19 Passengers Aboard
A police update revealed the bus driver lost control after suffering a seizure. The driver’s current condition remains unknown.
There were 19 people on the bus at the time. Hampshire Police confirm:
- 5 seriously injured
- 6 with minor injuries
- 8 uninjured
Medics took two life-threatening injury patients to Southampton’s major trauma unit. Three with serious injuries were also admitted there. Six with minor injuries and three unaccompanied children were taken to North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke.
Emergency Services Working Around the Clock
A South Central Ambulance spokesperson said: “We received multiple 999 calls just before noon reporting the overturned bus. Working with Hampshire Fire and Police, we assessed and treated a large number of casualties. Seven patients were discharged on scene as uninjured.”
The scene remains active as emergency crews focus on safety and clearing the wreckage. Motorists are advised to stay clear to help emergency services get the road open as soon as possible.