Double-decker bus roof ripped off after crashing into low bridge in West Lothian

A man has been charged after the roof of a double-decker bus was ripped off following a collision with a bridge in West Lothian.

West Lothian Council confirmed the emergency road closure of the B7010 at Fauldhouse train station on Monday morning after a bus struck the low bridge.

Police Scotland received reports of the crash at around 5.55am and a 59-year-old man was charged in connection with the incident.

There were no reported injuries and the council said that it was understood that the bus was empty at the time of the crash.

Teams from Network Rail investigated the collision with train services said to be running as normal but with broken glass still present on the ledge of the bridge.

An image shared to the council’s social media showed the roof of the bus completely ripped off and the front of the vehicle significantly damaged.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.55am on Monday, March 11, 2024, officers received a report of a bus crashing into a bridge on the B7010, Fauldhouse.

“There were no reported injuries.

“Arrangements were made for the bus to be recovered and the road is open.

“A 59-year-old man has been charged and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”

A statement from West Lothian Council said: “The B7010 has been closed at Fauldhouse Train Station after a double decker bus struck a low bridge.

“Our staff are attending to assist with the clean-up. Thankfully we understand that the bus was empty at the time.

“Network Rail are assessing the bridge for any structural damage but our understanding is that trains are currently operating as normal.

“The train station remains accessible from the east end. We will advise when we have an update.”

A further statement read: “The road has been cleared and is now open.

“However there are still some issues with broken glass on the ledge of the rail bridge and Scotrail will still have some clear up work to carry out.

“If there’s any further disruption to road users, we will let you know here.”

A spokesperson for Lothian Buses said: “We can confirm that one of our Lothian Country vehicles was involved in an incident earlier this morning and we are fully assisting Police Scotland with their inquiries.”