A double-decker bus crashed into a period property in a Norfolk village on Thursday morning, causing significant damage to the home. No injuries were reported, although the bus had passengers on board at the time of the collision.
The incident occurred on West Road in Ormesby St Margaret, near Great Yarmouth, at around 10.12am. Police officers arriving at the scene found the bus embedded in the side of the house. Fire crews from Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Carrow and Dereham also attended.
Neighbour describes 'bomb going off' sound
Neighbour Kevin Griffin, 63, said the crash sounded "like a bomb going off" with dust sent flying. He described the moment he saw the bus approaching his house.
"I was coming out of my front door of my house here, and I just glanced to my side, and then there was a bus coming towards my house," he said. "Then I saw a big cloud of dust. It sounded like an explosion. It sounded like a bomb going off, and there was dust everywhere, and I just ran through my gate to my bus."
He added: "I got onto the bus, then I was helping people get off the bus. It was upsetting."
Significant damage to renovated property
The crash caused significant damage to the period property, which its owners had been renovating for the past six years. Dramatic images from the scene show a partially collapsed building and a bus with a smashed windscreen, with debris scattered across the floor and a police cordon in place.
Local resident Tony Bushkes described the sound of the bus crashing into the house as "shocking". He said the noise was extremely loud and, moments after the incident, grabbed his camera and rushed to the scene.
Road closed as clear-up continues
West Road remains closed as emergency services continue their clear-up operation. A First Buses spokesperson said: "There are currently no reports of any injuries among members of the public, our staff or passengers and we are working closely with the local emergency services to agree next steps."
