A double-decker bus collided with a railway bridge in Glasgow city center on Saturday evening, leaving eight people injured, including one critically. The crash occurred on Cook Street at the junction with Commerce Street around 6:00 PM GMT.
The 4A First Bus became wedged under the low railway bridge, with part of its roof torn off in the impact. The bridge, located near the O2 Academy, is clearly marked with a height restriction of 3.8 meters (12.5 feet).
Emergency Response and Injuries
Five injured passengers were rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, while three others received treatment at the scene before being transported to the hospital. Among them, one person sustained severe head injuries and remains in critical condition.
Spike Turner, a passenger seated near the front of the bus, described the chaos that unfolded.
“The driver had taken a wrong turn and drove straight into the bridge,” he recounted. “I was fine, but the lady in front of me might have been concussed. The man in the front seat was in a really bad state, with a massive gash on his head.”
Impact on Transportation
The crash prompted ScotRail to close several lines due to the bridge’s damage and ongoing investigations. Services between Glasgow Central and destinations such as Ardrossan Harbour, Ayr, and Paisley Canal faced cancellations and delays.
Police Scotland cordoned off multiple roads, including Cook Street, Commerce Street, and Centre Street, urging drivers to avoid the area.
Investigation Underway
First Bus, the operator of the vehicle, confirmed it has launched an internal investigation and is cooperating with Police Scotland. A spokesperson stated:
“We are aware of numerous injuries and have begun an immediate investigation into the incident while assisting the police.”
Bridge’s Troubled History
This isn’t the first time the railway bridge has been the site of a bus crash. In May last year, ten people were hospitalized following a similar incident at the same location.
The recurring accidents have raised questions about the adequacy of signage and driver awareness in the area, as well as the need for potential engineering solutions to prevent future crashes.