River crash bus firm gives thanks to rescuers

The boss of a bus firm has expressed his gratitude to people who helped after a double-decker crashed off a road into a river.

Dashcam footage showed the Bluestar vehicle, carrying Barton Peveril College students, swerving through oncoming traffic before ploughing through railings in Bishopstoke Road, Eastleigh.

The bus driver, a 69-year-old man, and a 16-year-old female student sustained serious injuries in the incident on Thursday at about 10:00 BST. Three other students suffered serious injuries and a further 15 had minor injuries.

Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager, said: "...we would like to extend our gratitude to those who witnessed the event and helped those in need..."

The driver of the bus was hailed a "hero" on Friday by Dr John Fisher, who was one of the first to arrive on the scene.

He helped rescue students and told the BBC: "It feels that he [the bus driver] tried to ditch it to avoid a head-on crash... it's a bit of a miracle."

Another witness previously told the BBC the driver reported that his brakes and accelerator failed at the same time.

The 607 for Barton Peveril Sixth Form College was carrying 19 students

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed an investigation is ongoing.

The force previously said the three students with serious injuries - two girls and one boy all aged 17 - were discharged from hospital.

Of the 15 other passengers, aged between 16 and 18, three received hospital treatment.

Student Freddie Sampson previously told the BBC the bus was "weaving through traffic"

Mr Tyldsley added: "As this is an ongoing police investigation, it would be inappropriate for anyone to comment on the cause of the crash.

"Along with the friends and families involved, we would like to extend our gratitude to those who witnessed the event and helped those in need at the scene.

"Thoughts right now are with all those who were injured."

Police praised the bravery of members of the public and emergency services who helped rescue some of the trapped students and driver.

Officers are continuing to urge any witnesses and anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward.

The bus came off the road on Thursday morning