Parents anger after bus crash
Parents have stated their anger towards a bus company, claiming the driver abandoned injured children at the roadside after a road accident without calling an ambulance.
The crash happened last week in Rhos-on-Sea, when the number 15 bus collided with a car, sending passengers out of their seats.
Both the bus and car were damaged and witnesses claim the driver asked passengers if they were hurt before several complained of impact and whiplash injuries. However, the driver did not call an ambulance.
Two injured 12-year-old boys, suffering from neck and face injuries were left on the side of the road, whilst passengers were ushered onto a replacement bus. Whiplash claims may now be filed.
The police were only called by the bus company, after an angry parent turned up at the bus depot and complained.
Eirias High pupil Matthew Bamborough was travelling home from school when the crash occurred and was later taken to Llandudno Hospital suffering whiplash.
“I felt a massive force and flew into the disabled seat,” he said. “I had back pain, the hospital said I had bad whiplash. I told the driver I wasn’t okay, I was shocked and couldn’t breathe.”
Matthew’s mum Karolyn, 43, of Campbell Close, Penrhyn Bay was furious. “The bus driver left the children, left the scene, didn’t report it to the police and didn’t call an ambulance,” she said.
A spokesman for Arriva said: “I can confirm that an incident took place on June 18 in Rhos-on-Sea, in which an Arriva bus was involved in a minor collision with another vehicle.
“The bus was travelling at less than 5mph and we understand two young males were admitted to hospital – clearly we wish them a speedy recovery. An ambulance was offered to the injured parties but was not accepted.”
Updated on 26/06/2009