Thirteen people injured as bus leaves road on Isle of Wight

Thirteen people were injured when a double-decker bus left a road and entered a field.

Eleven of them were taken to St Mary's Hospital after the crash in East Lane in Arreton, on the Isle of Wight, at about 18:05 GMT on Wednesday.

Two passengers remain in hospital with serious injuries. An NHS spokesperson said they were not critical.

Southern Vectis, which owns the bus, said it started an "immediate investigation" following the accident.

Its general manager Richard Tyldsley said: "We wish [those injured] a full and speedy recovery.

"The safety of our passengers and drivers is our highest priority and our team began an immediate investigation to establish the circumstances behind this incident."

The bus was the number 2 to Ryde, travelling along the A3056 at the time of the crash.

Hampshire Constabulary closed the road for several hours to conduct investigations, but it has since reopened.

The force appealed for witnesses, or anyone with dash cam footage to come forward.

Mr Tyldsley said the bus was driven away from the field after the accident, and that it was "not the result of a mechanical fault".

While he said it was "too early" to know its cause, Mr Tyldsley said the company was helping the police with their inquiries.

Two of the passengers were freed by firefighters, using cutting equipment, and were then dealt with by paramedics.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service station manager Peter Clarke said: "We were working in difficult conditions, with poor light, but worked well together as a team with our multi-agency partners."

Isle of Wight Ambulance Service said it sent seven ambulances, two patients transport vehicles, a paramedic, a paramedic car and a tactical commander to attend to those injured.

East Cowes Fire Station tweeted that its incident support unit had provided lighting into the field after the crash.

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