Ban for bus driver who crashed into railway bridge

Darren Stevenson has been banned from driving after crashing into the low railway bridge in Kilmarnock

A bus driver has been banned from driving after he steered off his route and crashed into a railway bridge in Kilmarnock.

Darren Stevenson, 35, ignored repeated cab alarms and drove the double decker bus under a low bridge, which ripped off the roof and injured nine people on 19 December 2024.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard how the upper deck of the bus was exposed and the injured passengers included girls ands boys, aged 13 to 16, as well as a woman.

Stevenson, from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, admitted dangerous driving and was banned for 28 months. He was ordered to wear an electronic tag for six months.

Nine passengers on the bus were injured after it collided with the low bridge

Carrie Paxton, prosecuting, said a number of people were on the number six bus service as it drove through the East Ayrshire town that afternoon.

She told the court: "An audible warning system for bridge strikes activated, indicating a low bridge ahead.

"He carried on his route and as he reached the junction of Macphail Drive, the audible warning sounded again."

She said the alarm activated twice more, adding: "At this point he should have turned right onto MacKenzie Drive as this is the normal route."

But Stevenson continued straight on towards the railway bridge, which displayed an 8ft 3in (2.5m) clearance sign when the bus was 13ft 10in (4.2m) tall.

The roof remained behind after the bus travelled through the tunnel

The fiscal depute said: "He failed to adhere to the audible warning for the bridge before striking and driving under the bridge at 17mph, ripping the roof totally off the double decker before coming to rest at the other side of the bridge.

"The upper deck of the bus was completely exposed and all witnesses sustained minor injuries."

The injured passengers were treated at the scene and at Crosshouse Hospital for whiplash injuries and cuts.

The adult passenger was referred for specialist treatment after suffering from sleep loss due to neck and back pain.

Stevenson passed police roadside drink and drugs tests.

Graeme Cunningham, defending, said Stevenson had been staying at a homeless hostel after the crash.

Sheriff Colin Bissett said Stevenson would have to pass the extended test before being allowed to drive again.