Bus loses top deck after hitting bridge

RACEGOERS watched in horror today as a double-decker bus had its top sheared off when it got stuck beneath a low bridge at York's Knavesmire.

Emergency services said seven people were taken to hospital after the accident which happened at lunchtime today.

Those on board the bus were catering staff employed by the racecourse for today's meeting, the Timeform charity meeting.

They suffered cuts and bruises and shock in the accident, but amazingly none is thought to have suffered serious injury.

Sergeant Mike Crome, of York traffic police, said: "We don't know why a double-decker bus has tried to get under this bridge.

"But that is a question we will be asking the driver who will be interviewed shortly.

"The Vehicle Inspectorate was already on the site checking vehicles at the race meeting, and they have examined the coach.

"Their findings will be part of our report into this accident."

James Brennan, the marketing manager of York Racecourse, said that the injuries suffered by the workers were not serious and he believed most of them had suffered shock.

"It is unfortunate and we are concerned for the people involved," he said.

"But it is not a major incident in terms of injuries."

A police spokeswoman at York Station said the coach had since been freed from the bridge structure.

The accident happened as thousands of racegoers gathered at the course in preparation for the highlight of today's meeting, which was scheduled to be the William Hill trophy.

Updated: 12:59 Saturday, June 16, 2001