An investigation is underway after two men – one a passenger and the other the bus driver – were killed and 17 people injured, six seriously, when a First Eastern Counties route XL Peterborough-Norwich ADL Enviro400 collided with a Bretts Transport lorry that was leaving its depot on the A47 near Guyhirn, 15 miles east of Peterborough, at 0710hrs on Tuesday (26 June).
The bus driver who was killed was Michael Elcombe, 45, of Cley Road, Swaffham, Norfolk. Passenger Brian Chapman, 76, of Cherry Road in Kettering, also died at the scene. alt=”” src=”https://www.route-one.net/wp-content/uploads/x1.jpg” style=”float:right” />
The driver of a First Eastern Counties bus, in his 50s, died, along with a passenger in his 70s.
Those who were seriously hurt have a combination of broken bones and head injuries, including brain injuries.
Casualties were transferred to Peterborough City Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.
Police said the bus “collided into the lorry”. The lorry driver was not hurt.
A Bretts spokesman said: “At this stage we are giving the emergency services our full support and co-operation.”
Steve Wickers, Managing Director at First Eastern Counties buses says: “It was a very sad day for everyone involved in what was a devastating incident on the A47 in Guyhirn.
“I, along with my local team would like to send our sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues who have lost a loved one from the incident and to extend my thoughts to those who sustained injuries, who I hope all have speedy recoveries.
“I would also like to thank the Police and the Emergency Services for their support, in what was a very traumatic situation to manage.
“Today [27 June] has been a challenge, especially for the colleagues and friends of Michael our driver at Kings Lynn bus depot, who sadly lost his life.
“But as true professionals and as dedicated as they are, our drivers have all come into work this morning and are providing a full service for customers wanting to travel on our Excel service between Peterborough, Kings Lynn and Norwich”
Insp Jamie Langwith, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: “What we do know is that they have a coming together where the HGV has pulled out of the yard and the bus has collided into the side of it.”
