A serious crash between a double decker bus and a car in Shanklin has led to a major emergency response this evening (Monday), with the main road between Shanklin and Ventnor closed.
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has landed at the scene of the incident on Church Road – adjacent to Big Mead.
It’s here that a Southern Vectis Route 3 double decker bus – heading from Ventnor – has come into contact with a small vehicle.
3 fire appliances from Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde – and a rescue tender from Newport – are on scene alongside multiple resources from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and Police.
It is unclear at this time how many casualties there are and the severity of the injuries sustained.
The crash occurred at around 18:30.
UPDATE @ 19:17 – Island Echo understands the incident is being treated as a medical episode at the wheel.
The air ambulance has now lifted off from Shanklin as the immediate emergency response concludes, with other resources also standing down.
Due to the severity of the situation, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit has been requested to attend.
The main road connecting Shanklin and Ventnor is closed in both directions and is likely to remain closed for several hours, into the early hours of Tuesday morning. Access to Luccombe is from Shanklin Old Village.
Cordons are in place.
UPDATE @ 20:40 – Collision Investigation experts from the mainland have arrived in Shanklin to conduct a forensic examination of the crash scene.
UPDATE @ 21:37 – It has been confirmed that the driver of the bus and all passengers onboard have escaped injury.
Simon Moye, Operations Manager at Southern Vectis, has tonight said:
“A car collided with the front of the a number 3 bus in Shanklin this evening.
“There were no reported injuries to our driver or the passengers on board our vehicle.
“Our thoughts are with the driver of the car. We are not currently aware of the severity of their injuries.
“The police have closed the road and we will be assisting them in their investigations”.
UPDATE TUESDAY @ 07:00 – Church Road has now re-opened in both directions following the conclusion of on scene investigations.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is expected to issue a statement later today.
UPDATE @ 12:04 – Police have confirmed that a woman in her 70s died at the scene.
Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/woman-dies-in-crash-with-double-decker-bus-in-shanklin/.
Hope they all ok
Unfortunately if the mainland crash investigation team is called it either extremely serious or a fatality. But let’s hope I’m wrong and a speedy recovery is made by those injured