The driver of a college bus that crashed into the River Itchen in Bishopstoke this morning is being hailed a hero. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver told a shocked onlooker, “The accelerator had jammed,” leaving him unable to stop the vehicle.
The Bluestar 607 college bus, carrying students on their way to Barton Peveril College, smashed through roadside railings and plunged into the shallow river shortly after 10:45am.
James West, a local resident whose garden overlooks the river, described the frightening moment the bus veered off Bishopstoke Road. “It ended up in our garden,” he said. His wife spoke directly to the driver minutes after the crash, and Mr West relayed the information: “He said his accelerator jammed, and he couldn’t slow the bus before it hit the river.”
Mr West called the driver “a bit of a hero” for preventing a worse disaster. “He could’ve taken out cars, houses, or pedestrians. It sounds like he did the best he could to minimise damage.”
Neighbours quickly rushed to help evacuate the students, who were described as “all kids” and “all in shock.” “My wife went down the back of the bus to get them out,” Mr West explained. He also expressed concern about false rumours circulating on social media blaming the driver. “Some people shouldn’t be out there spreading misinformation.”
Emergency services responded swiftly, with South Central Ambulance Service, Hampshire Fire and Rescue, and Hampshire Police all attending the scene. Multiple ambulances and air ambulances were dispatched.
Seventeen people were injured in the incident, including three who were rushed to hospital as high priority cases. The bus was carrying students from Barton Peveril College. A parent support hub has been established at The Hub in Bishopstoke to assist worried families.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Both 1 and Bluestar have launched inquiries, and recovery operations for the bus are ongoing.
Originally published by UKNIP.
