Double-Decker Route 91 Bus Hit Tree Branches Sending Roof Crashing to Floor

A double-decker bus carrying dozens of passengers has had its roof torn off after hitting a tree in Holborn, London.

The number 91 bus hit a branch on Kingsway close to the London School of Economics ripping the roof from the vehicle and spraying debris over the road.

Witnesses reported that there were around 20 people on the top deck at the time of the crash and the emergency services confirmed four people were treated for injuries.

Passers-by said they heard a loud bang before seeing the roof sliding off the back of the bus as glass shattered across the area. Roads had to be closed while the incident was investigated.

A Met police spokesman said: "Police were called to a bus involved in a collision at approximately 13:00hrs on Monday, 2 February in Kingsway with the junction of Aldwych.

"London Ambulance Service was called to the scene. Four people - three passengers on the bus and one motorist - are currently being treated at the scene. We await further details."

Expert Opinion

This is a very serious incident as it is a popular London bus route and the impact of such a crash could have been devastating for the passengers, and people passing by either as pedestrians or in other vehicles. <br/> <br/>“Thankfully, there appear to be few people injured, but it is important that this incident is thoroughly investigated to determine why this bus was able to crash into the overhanging branches and whether there were any prior warnings from other bus drivers who regularly travel along this route. <br/> <br/>“There are reports of people getting off the bus covered in glass with blood all over their face and although their injuries may not be life-threatening, those affected will still need support to help them recover as fully as possible. It is likely that they will have suffered from the shock of being involved which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder and it is crucial they get the expert care they need.” Colin Ettinger - Consultant