Hampshire Roads Policing are responding urgently after a double-decker bus crashed and overturned on Andover Road (B3400) in Oakley. The incident has triggered a major emergency response involving police, fire, and ambulance crews.
All three emergency services rushed to the scene after the bus flipped on a busy stretch of road. Hampshire Fire and Rescue deployed fire crews from Overton, Whitchurch, and Basingstoke, including four fire appliances, a rescue support unit, and a command and control vehicle. The crash was reported at 12.07pm on Thursday.
South Central Ambulance Service dispatched 10 ambulances, a Hazardous Area Response Team, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance critical care car, rapid response officers, and senior medical commanders to treat the passengers on board.
Andover Road and Rectory Road remain closed in both directions between the Deane Gate Inn and Oakley Village, causing significant traffic disruption. Diversions have been put in place, but drivers are urged to avoid the area completely. The closure is expected to last until this evening as emergency teams continue their work.
A police update revealed that the bus driver lost control after suffering a seizure. The driver’s current condition is not yet known. There were 19 people on the bus at the time of the crash.
Hampshire Police confirmed the following injuries among passengers: five seriously injured, six with minor injuries, and eight uninjured. Medics transported two patients with life-threatening injuries to Southampton’s major trauma unit. Three others with serious injuries were also admitted there. Six passengers with minor injuries and three unaccompanied children were taken to North Hampshire Hospital in Basingstoke.
A South Central Ambulance spokesperson said: “We received multiple 999 calls just before noon reporting the overturned bus. Working with Hampshire Fire and Police, we assessed and treated a large number of casualties. Seven patients were discharged on scene as uninjured.”
The scene remains active as emergency crews focus on safety and clearing the wreckage. Motorists are advised to stay clear of the area to assist emergency services in reopening the road as soon as possible.
Originally published by UKNIP.
