Bus firm apologises after passenger hurt in Bournemouth tree crash

Morebus said the roof was ripped off after the double-decker crashed into a tree in Bournemouth

A bus company has apologised after the roof of one of its double-deckers was ripped off when it hit a tree's branches, leaving a passenger injured.

The crash, involving a route 20 Morebus vehicle, happened at around 18:00 GMT on Friday on West Way in Bournemouth.

Richard Wade, Morebus general manager, said a passenger had been on the stairs when the bus hit low-hanging branches.

Dorset Police previously confirmed one person had suffered a wrist injury and was taken to hospital.

A passenger suffered a minor injury to their wrist in the crash, police said

In a statement, Mr Wade said the bus had "moved over to the nearside of the carriageway as a car in front was slowing and indicating to turn right".

The double-decker then hit the branches of a tree overhanging the road, which "caused extensive damage to the top of the vehicle", he said.

"One of our passengers was on the stairs at the time and suffered minor injuries," Mr Wade added.

"They were attended to at the scene, and we wish them a speedy recovery."

West Way Road was closed following the incident on Friday

Mr Wade said: "We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused by this incident."

West Way was closed between the junction of Bankside Road and Castle Lane West for most of the evening as emergency services worked to clear the scene.

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