A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS has crashed into Coventry city-centre supermarket, killing two people.
Police have confirmed that an eight-year-old boy from Leamington, who was travelling on the top deck of the bus, died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
A woman from Nuneaton, believed to be in her 70s who was a pedestrian in Trinity Street, also died at the scene.
A nine-year-old girl also travelling on the top deck of the bus remains ‘seriously ill’ in hospital.
A police spokesperson confirmed specialist officers were ‘supporting the families at this time.’
The 17.33 Stagecoach X18 bus from Coventry to Leamington crashed into the side of the Sainsbury’s store on the corner of Trinity Street and Hales Street after colliding with a number of stationary cars and a lamppost.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed two fatalities and said: “We are dealing with two fatalities.
“The relatives of those who have died do now know.”
Five people have been taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and a child has been taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police said: “A number of people were trapped on the top of the double decker; three people are seriously injured and five other people have more minor injuries.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) were called to the scene at 6pm this evening (Saturday, October 3) – assessing and discharging two people.
Further details on these casualties will follow.
Sainbury’s confirmed that the bus came to a halt when it collided with the store – a spokesperson adding no Sainsbury’s staff were injured in the accident.
Three ambulances, two BASICS emergency doctors, a community paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle, a paramedic area support officer in a rapid response vehicle and a number of vehicles and staff from the Hazardous Area Response Team were all in attendance.
Crews from Coventry Community Fire Station, Foleshill Community Fire Station and the West Midlands Fire Service’s Technical Rescue Unit were also on the scene.
Trinity Street, Hales Street and Millennium Place are all reportedly closed for the foreseeable future.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach Midlands said: “Our first thoughts are with the people who have been involved. “The safety of our passengers and staff is our highest priory and we are assisting the police fully with their investigation into the circumstances of the incident.”
Anyone with information, or anyone who may be concerned about relatives, should contact police on 101.
This story is ongoing and will updated as soon as The Observer knows more…
