Eyewitnesses of a bus crash in Kilmarnock have told how they saw the double-decker vehicle “crashing through the tunnel” after it collided with a railway bridge.
Emergency services currently remain at the scene of the horror collision on the East Ayrshire town’s Culzean Crescent. Crews raced to the incident after receiving the alarm at 1.55pm on Thursday.
Four people have been rushed to University Hospital Crosshouse, where their current conditions are unknown. Passersby have told how they heard a large blast before witnessing the bus come “crashing through the tunnel under the bridge”.
Ronnie Smith, 51, a local warehouse operative, told the Record: “I walked under the bridge during my dog walk and we had just entered a nearby park when I heard an almighty bang. I quickly turned around and saw the bus crashing through the tunnel under the bridge.
“The whole roof was sliced off. We ran back across the road to see if anybody needed help. A few passengers were in shock.
“The neighbours began coming out to help and brought out towels for any injuries. Lots of onlookers then started to arrive in cars videoing the aftermath.
“I decided to leave with the dog. I walked home under the bridge and it was completely covered in metal and broken glass.”
Maggie Rees also reported hearing an “awful noise” while driving in her car before she saw debris come crashing over the road.
The 38-year-old said: “I was on my way to Asda and heard an awful noise. I then saw all the debris on the road and the bus at the other side of the bridge. As I got round the corner, I was horrified to see the roof of the bus stripped away from the vehicle. I saw a few people standing up on the top deck so me and my partner jumped out to offer help.
“We stayed until the emergency services arrived. It was horrific to see the mess and debris.”
Images from the scene show the roof completely ripped away from the vehicle and lying in the middle of the road. A cordon has since been erected at the crash site.
Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area.
A statement from Police Scotland reads: “Officers are in attendance on Culzean Crescent in Kilmarnock following a crash involving a double decker bus. The road is closed in both directions. Please avoid the area to allow emergency services access.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 13:55 to attend an incident on Culzean Crescent, Kilmarnock. One ambulance and three special operations response teams (SORT) were dispatched to the scene and four patients were transported to University Hospital Crosshouse.”
A Stagecoach West Scotland spokesperson said: “We can confirm there has been an incident involving one of our buses in Kilmarnock this afternoon (19/12/24). The 6 service, which runs from Kilmarnock Bus Station to New Farm Loch, struck a low bridge. We are aware of two people who were injured and are currently being treated by emergency services. Investigations are ongoing and we are working closely with Police Scotland.”
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