Police have confirmed that a woman in her 70s died in yesterday’s serious road traffic collision between a double decker bus and a car in Shanklin.
It was just before 18:10 yesterday evening (Monday) that emergency services were called to Church Road – the main road between Shanklin and Ventnor – following a collision involving a Southern Vectis Route 3 bus and a Fiat Panda.
Multiple fire crews from Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde, as well as a rescue tender from Newport, responded to the scene at Big Mead, alongside paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance also landed at the roadside to provide enhanced pre-hospital care.
It’s understood that in the moments after the crash, quick-thinking members of the public pulled the elderly driver of the Fiat from the vehicle and commenced CPR.
It is suspected she suffered a cardiac arrest at the wheel and crossed into the path of the oncoming bus, which was travelling towards Shanklin.
Sadly, nothing could be done to save her life and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The female driver of the bus and all passengers onboard escaped injury, it has been confirmed.
Collision investigation officers from the mainland were deployed to Shanklin as the sun set last night to carry out a full forensic examination of the scene. A drone was launched to capture a bird’s eye view.
Church Road reopened this morning following the conclusion of those on scene investigations.
Inspector Andy Tester has today said:
“As part of our investigation we would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who has relevant dash cam footage capturing the incident or the moments leading up to it.
“If you can help, please get in touch with us at the earliest opportunity.”
Anyone with information that could assist Police with their enquiries is asked to contact Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101, quoting 44250264668.
You can also report online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.
R.I.P to the elderly driver thoughts go out to family
Thoughts go out to the bus driver as well, hope they are ok
My thoughts exactly, so sad.
So very sad. Rest in peace dear lady.
Glad also that no one else was injured