Legal action launched after double-decker buses crashed into railway bridges within days of each other

Legal action has been launched after two double-decker buses crashed into railway bridges just days before Christmas in Glasgow and East Ayrshire.

Seven people were taken to hospital after a First Bus collided with a railway bridge on Cook Street near Glasgow’s 02 Academy on December 14.

A 60-year-old man was rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after suffering serious injuries and was said to have been in a critical condition.

Meanwhile five other men and a women, who were among the 11 passengers on the bus, were also taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries and have since been discharged.

A further four people were assessed at the scene while the driver was said to be uninjured.

A double-decker bus has had its roof torn off after crashing into a railway bridge in East Ayrshire on December 19. STV News

Days later, a Stagecoach double-decker bus carrying schoolchildren crashed into a railway bridge on Culzean Crescent in Kilmarnock on December 19.

Eight people were taken to University Hospital Crosshouse however no one was seriously injured in the crash.

A 34-year-old man has since been charged in connection with a road traffic offence following the Kilmarnock crash.

Officers said a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Thompson’s solicitors confirmed victims of the Cook Street incident had contacted them and they have also opened cases on behalf of those injured in a bus crash in Kilmarnock.

Patrick McGuire, a partner with Thompsons, said the incident was a “nightmare before Christmas” for the victims.

“Multiple passengers were injured, some very seriously, in two accidents that would seem entirely avoidable,” he said.

Mr McGuire said the Cook Street crash was a “particularly” shocking incident following a similar collision last year.

Ten people – including a child – were taken to hospital after a bus crashed into the same bridge and had its roof torn off in May 2023.

“Our specialist team, who have dealt with several crashes of this kind, have already been contacted over both incidents, and we have opened cases against the companies involved,” he added.

“For crashes of this kind to continue to happen is utterly unacceptable, and the travelling public deserve so much better.”

First Bus and Stagecoach has been contacted for comment.