Eastleigh Bus Driver Hailed as Hero After River Crash: “Accelerator Jammed,” Eyewitness Says
The driver of a college bus that crashed into the River Itchen in Bishopstoke this morning is being hailed as a “hero” after reportedly telling an eyewitness that the “accelerator had jammed”, leaving him unable to stop the vehicle.
The double-decker Bluestar 607 college service, carrying students to Barton Peveril College, ploughed through roadside railings and landed in the shallow river shortly after 10:45am.
“He Did His Best to Minimise Harm”
James West, a resident of Guest Road whose property overlooks the river, described the moment the bus veered off Bishopstoke Road and smashed through railings.
“My wife went down the back of the garden and helped people get out,” he said. “We set up a load of chairs, and another neighbour brought drinks round. We could hear a lot of distressed people on the bus.”
Mr. West expressed concern about social media rumours wrongly blaming the driver.
“Some people online are saying he was drunk or fell asleep at the wheel. But we spoke to him. He was clearly injured and said the accelerator was stuck. That needs to be out there.”
Emergency Response and Injuries
Emergency services including South Central Ambulance Service, Hampshire Fire and Rescue, and Hampshire Police responded with multiple ambulances, air ambulances, and specialist units.
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17 people were injured, including three taken to hospital as “high priority” patients.
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The bus was carrying students from Barton Peveril College.
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A parent support hub was established at The Hub at Bishopstoke for worried families.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash. Hampshire Constabulary and Bluestar have launched an investigation, and recovery efforts for the vehicle are underway.
