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Haywards Heath: Woman hurt as diverted bus crashes into bridge

Nigel Summers Bus crashes into bridgeNigel Summers
The road which passes under the bridge on Rocky Lane, Haywards Heath, was not part of the agreed diversion route, the bus operator says

A woman has been injured when the roof was ripped off a bus as it hit a bridge while on a diversion.

The bus hit a bridge in Rocky Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, at about 06:40 BST after making a detour from a set diversion route.

The woman was treated at the scene for a head injury before being taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

The driver was also treated at the scene, a spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service said.

The bus service, which was operated by Brighton and Hove Metrobus, had been following a diversion route set up because of a 12-week programme of road works,

Martin Harris, managing director of the bus company, said: "The vehicle took a detour from the diversion route.

"We immediately initiated an internal investigation and we will be taking every possible action to ensure this doesn't happen again."

He said the diversion had been thoroughly risk-assessed beforehand, and the route did not include the road under the bridge.

Eddie Mitchell Damaged busEddie Mitchell
The bus was towed away in two parts after the crash
Eddie Mitchell Damaged busEddie Mitchell
The bus's roof had been separated from the rest of the vehicle

The bus has been towed away in two separate sections.

Mr Harris added: "There were five passengers on board the bus at the time and one has sustained a minor injury.

"The disruption to services in the area was minimal and people should continue to travel as usual."

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