BUS operator Morebus has apologised after branches tore off a double-decker bus roof, leaving one passenger injured. 

Emergency services were called to the incident in West Way in Bournemouth on Friday evening. 

Richard Wade, Morebus general manager, said: “We understand that the bus moved over to the nearside of the carriageway as a car in front was slowing and indicating to turn right, and the bus hit a tree with low branches overhanging the road.

“This caused extensive damage to the top of the vehicle.

“One of our passengers was on the stairs at the time and suffered minor injuries.

“They were attended to at the scene, and we wish them a speedy recovery.”

Mr Wade apologised to customers for any inconvenience caused by the incident.

Bournemouth Echo:

Police attended alongside the fire and ambulance service as well as BCP Council.

The ambulance service treated a passenger with minor injuries.

Roads were closed between the junction of Bankside Road and Castle Lane West, while emergency services dealt with the incident.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said: “We were called at 5:47pm with reports of a large vehicle road traffic collision on West Way, Bournemouth.

“Two fire engines were mobilised to the incident and on arrival found a double-decker bus had collided with a tree.

“One casualty was confirmed, and crews administered casualty care until the ambulance service was on the scene. 

“Firefighters worked to make the scene safe, and the stop message came in at 6:10pm.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We were called at 5.46pm on 1 December to reports of a collision involving a double-decker bus in West Way in Bournemouth.

“It is reported that the bus had gone into a tree and the impact of the collision had caused the roof of the bus to be torn off.

“Officers and the fire service are at the scene and the road has been closed while emergency services respond to the incident.

“One passenger sustained an injury to their wrist and has been taken to hospital for treatment.”