Hero Bus Driver Saves the Day After Crash Lands Double-Decker in River Itchen
The driver of a college bus that crashed into the River Itchen in Bishopstoke this morning is being hailed a hero. Eyewitnesses say he told a shocked onlooker: “The accelerator had jammed,” leaving him powerless to stop the vehicle.
Double-Decker Ploughs Into River
The Bluestar 607 college bus, packed with students en route to Barton Peveril College, smashed through roadside railings and plunged into the shallow river shortly after 10:45am.
Resident Praises Driver’s Quick Thinking
James West, a local resident whose garden overlooks the river, described the terrifying moment the bus veered off Bishopstoke Road:
“It ended up in our garden,” he said.
His wife spoke straight to the driver minutes after the crash. Mr West relayed what he was told:
“He said his accelerator jammed, and he couldn’t slow the bus before it hit the river.”
Mr West called the driver “a bit of a hero” for avoiding worse chaos.
“He could’ve taken out cars, houses, or pedestrians. It sounds like he did the best he could to minimise damage.”
Neighbours Rush to Help Shaken Students
James and his wife rushed down to help evacuate the students, who were all described as “all kids” and “all in shock.”
“My wife went down the back of the bus to get them out,” Mr West explained.
He expressed concern about false rumours on social media blaming the driver.
“Some people shouldn’t be out there spreading misinformation.”
Emergency Crews Respond, 17 Injured
Emergency services arrived swiftly, with South Central Ambulance Service, Hampshire Fire and Rescue, and Hampshire Police all on the scene. Multiple ambulances and air ambulances were dispatched.
- 17 people injured, including three rushed to hospital as high priority cases.
- The bus was carrying students from Barton Peveril College.
- A parent support hub has been set up at The Hub in Bishopstoke for worried families.
Investigation Launched
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Both 1 and Bluestar have launched inquiries, and recovery operations for the bus are ongoing.
