One person killed and others ‘trapped’ after bus crashes into branch of Halifax bank
AN ELDERLY woman has been killed and others "trapped" after a bus crashed into branch of Halifax bank today.
The bus driver, a 52 year old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Two pedestrians who were injured have been taken to hospital. Their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
Eyewitnesses said the bus had been parked at a stop moments before it "jolted forward" across the road.
Passenger Paul Frazer said: "As soon as I sat down the bus jolted forward. It felt like a whoosh, such a fast speed."
Police said the bus went about 20 yards across the road, hitting a pillar of the bank close to its door.
On Twitter @janetlangan2 wrote: "Horrendous accident in Darlington town centre. Bus has gone through Halifax Bank window. People trapped emergency services on site."
The crash involved a single-decker 50 seater Arriva passenger bus which "pulled out before going straight into the bank".
Janet Langan came out of a nearby shopping centre just after the crash happened.
She said: “The driver's side of the bus was inside the bank. People were being sick and people were crying and I saw a man under the wheels. Then they started to put the green screen up so I couldn't see."
The 64-year-old added: “The emergency services were there very quickly so I started to walk away because I didn't want to look."
Chief Inspector Graham Milne, said: "Obviously this is a tragic incident and I would like to extend my condolences to the deceased's family. I would also ask anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the collision to contact us on 101."
A spokeswoman for North East Ambulance Service said that paramedics were at the scene.
They added: "We have sent the air ambulance, three double-crewed ambulances, hazardous area rapid response team and an officer."
Pictures appeared to show a screen between the bus and the bank as passers-by looked on.
John Dodsworth, who arrived at the scene just after the crash, said: "It's all gone crazy in town.
"Someone said a lady was under the bus, that's why the cover is round the side of the bus."
A witness at the scene told the Northern Echo: "The number 2 bus was parked up on the side of the road and pulled out before going straight into the bank.
"It was absolutely shocking, I'm still shaking now.
"I don't know if anyone in the bank was hurt. Most of them were out and were taken into Boots."
A spokesperson for Arriva said: “We can confirm that an Arriva bus, Service 2 from Branksome to Red Hall, has been involved in an accident today in Northgate, Darlington.
"An investigation has been launched and we are cooperating fully with the emergency services and the police who are leading the investigation.
"Our thoughts are with the families of those involved. We know there will be people concerned about family or friends, and to support we have set up a dedicated emergency telephone number which is 0191 520 4165.”
A Halifax spokesman said: "An incident took place this morning outside the Halifax branch in Darlington. The branch is currently closed and emergency services are in attendance."