Stagecoach pays £100,000 to nine St Johnstone fans injured in bus fire

A bus company has been ordered to pay out a total of £100,000 to nine football fans who were trapped in a bus fire.

Dozens of supporters were travelling back from the club’s League Cup Semi Final at Hampden Park on November 20, 2021 when the fire started.

Passengers are said to have been left with lacerations and fractured bones with others diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the “harrowing” incident.

Nine fans have received a share of the pay out from the Perth-based transport operator, Stagecoach, with one individual receiving £35,000.

The bus company was praised for their response to the incident which included “admitting liability” and helping prevent victims further suffering.

Robert Kernaghan, partner with Digby Brown Solicitors in Dundee, said that the incident was a “completely avoidable” accident.

“When you view the images of the bus fire it really is remarkable that more people were not injured by this harrowing and completely avoidable accident.

“We acted for a total of nine fans affected by this incident, many of whom will continue to be affected long into the future, and we are pleased to help them secure rightful damages so they may access the kind of support they deserve.

He added: “I would like to acknowledge the response of Stagecoach because by swiftly admitting liability the coach firm helped prevent victims from suffering any further.”

A spokesperson for Stagecoach East Scotland said: “Safety is our absolute priority and our thoughts are with those injured in this incident.

“A full and thorough investigation has been carried out and we are pleased to have settled the claims of those affected quickly and appropriately.”