Bus Roof Ripped Off in South Norwood Bridge Crash
A dramatic incident unfolded in South London when a double-decker bus collided with a railway bridge in South Norwood, tearing off its entire roof. The crash occurred around midday on Portland Road, close to Norwood Junction station.
The vehicle involved was not in public service at the time but was being used for driver training. There were no passengers on board, and no injuries were reported. The driver, who was undergoing training, is believed to have misjudged the clearance under the bridge.
Photos from the scene show the top deck of the red double-decker completely shredded, with metal and debris scattered across the road. Witnesses described a loud crash followed by emergency vehicles quickly arriving on the scene.
The crash caused immediate disruption to both road and rail services. Portland Road was closed in both directions for several hours as emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage and assess the structural integrity of the bridge. Meanwhile, rail services operated by Southern, Thameslink, and London Overground experienced delays and cancellations, impacting hundreds of commuters.
Network Rail engineers inspected the bridge and later confirmed that train lines could reopen, though residual delayswere expected into the evening. Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that a full investigation is underway to determine the cause and assess how similar incidents can be prevented.
This type of crash, where a tall vehicle hits a low bridge, is not uncommon in the UK. Often, such incidents occur due to driver error, GPS misdirection, or unfamiliarity with the route. TfL and local authorities are expected to review safety measures in the area, including signage and route planning for training vehicles.
The incident highlights the need for greater caution and oversight during driver training exercises, particularly in areas with known low-clearance bridges. It also raises questions about whether additional signage or route restrictions are needed to prevent similar accidents in the future. With South London’s busy roads and mixed-use traffic, ensuring proper planning and awareness is crucial to maintaining safety for all road users.
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