Woman died after fall as bus struck speed hump
An elderly woman died after falling on a bus after it went over a speed hump, an inquest heard.
Dorothy Plant had just got onto the bus in Wednesbury when she lost her balance when going to find a seat on the single decker.
The 86 year-old fell backwards hitting a step causing a 'significant head injury,' although she was conscious in the immediate aftermath.
The pensioner who had been on the number 40 bus between West Bromwich and Wednesbury was taken to Sandwell Hospital.
She suffered a fractured skull but her condition following the accident on November 4 last year deteriorated and she died five days later.
The inquest at Smethwick Coroner's Court was told Mrs Plant had got on the bus in Coronation Road, Wednesbury.
Driver Lee Whitehouse said Mrs Plant had walked unaided towards the back of the bus and said he saw her go to grab hold a pole as he took off.
He had only travelled yards when he had to negotiate a speed hump and the bus rocked, it was then she appeared to swing round, fall, and hit her head.
Mr Whitehouse told the hearing he was made aware of what had happened by others on the bus, stopped, and called the control centre. Emergency services then arrived.
He said: "One of the other passengers shouted out 'bus driver she has fallen. She said she had lost her grip. She told one of the other passengers."
Sergeant Neil Higgins, from the police collision investigation unit, said there were no defects on the bus and it was clear from the CCTV on the bus Mr Whitehouse wasn't at fault.
A witness statement from fellow passenger Chloe Jones was read out in court and said: "This lady began to walk down the bus towards me.
"She was okay and was steady on her feet. I remember seeing the lady stop in front of me, I then saw the lady fall backwards."
Coroner Zafar Siddique recorded a verdict of accidental death on Mrs Plant, of Queens Drive, Rowley Regis.
He said: "She suffered a significant head injury. This was an accidental death.
"It was clear from the CCTV footage that was seen this could not have been avoided given the situation.
A statement from National Express after the hearing said: "We note the verdict given in the inquest. Our thoughts are with Mrs Plant's family."
