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A hop-on hop-off London tour bus packed with tourists has crashed in central London, just yards from the historic 7/7 bomb site, injuring several people and triggering a major emergency response.
The collision occurred at around 2:40pm this afternoon, when the open-top double-decker bus struck a tree during a sightseeing route near Tavistock Square. The force of the impact crumpled the roof of the upper deck, trapping at least six people, including a young girl, inside the mangled wreckage.
Emergency Services Rush to the Scene
Multiple fire engines, ambulances, and paramedic units from the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade rushed to the scene. Firefighters used specialist cutting tools to free the trapped passengers, working urgently to secure the damaged upper deck.
Witnesses described scenes of “carnage onboard”, with the bus suddenly jolting and a loud bang echoing across the area.
“I thought a bomb had gone off,” said one nearby shop worker. “The noise was horrific — metal twisting, glass shattering — total chaos. Then people started screaming.”
Location: Near Tavistock Square
The crash occurred near Tavistock Square, the site of the devastating 2005 London bus bombing, heightening alarm among those nearby. Police quickly cordoned off the area, reassuring the public that this incident was unrelated to terrorism.
Sightseeing Tour Turns to Panic
The bus was part of a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing tour, popular with visitors wanting to explore iconic landmarks at their own pace. It is understood the vehicle collided with a low-hanging tree while in motion, causing catastrophic damage to the roof section.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the vehicle was made safe shortly after the incident.
Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police’s Commercial Vehicle Unit, along with Roads and Transport Policing Command, has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Engineers are examining the bus, and CCTV footage is being reviewed to determine whether speed, driver error, or route planning issues were involved.
Casualty Numbers
While the exact number of injuries is yet to be confirmed, several people received treatment at the scene. One child was reportedly removed from the top deck with head injuries, though her current condition is not known.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said:
“We were called at 2.35pm today (15 July) to reports of an incident at the junction of the A4200 and Russell Square, WC1H.
“We sent an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer to the scene.
“Our first paramedic arrived in five minutes.
“We assessed two patients and discharged them at the scene.”
A Spokesman for the Met Police said: Officers were called at 14:37hrs on Tuesday, 15 July following a single vehicle collision on Bedford Way, WC1.
The vehicle, a bus was involved in a collision with a tree.
Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.
Those involved sustained minor injuries.
The road remains closed.
