Bus crush death ruled an accident

A father of three who was crushed to death as he tried to board a bus in West Bromwich died as a result of an accident - an inquest jury has ruled.

Retired plumber Donald Hunter, of Broadwell Road, Oldbury, died of multiple injuries at West Bromwich Bus Station on 12 January 2007 after he was trapped trying to board a bus.

The 54-year-old was crushed when the Diamond bus driven by 67-year-old Alan Willis, of West Bromwich, started rolling forwards.

During this week's inquest at Smethwick Council House jurors heard the Diamond bus was in good working order and Police added driver Alan Willis could have inadvertently pressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake.

Jurors took just over two hours to return a verdict of accidental death today. They ruled that Mr Hunter had been trying to board a late running Travel West Midlands 402 service, which had double parked alongside a Diamond bus forcing passengers to walk directly in front of it.

The bus crushed Mr Hunter against a barrier before carrying on some 89 ft. The inquest heard the rules of all parties concerned had not been adhered to with regard to double parking proceedures that are in place at West Bromwich bus station.

Coroner Robin Balmain insists will be talking to the Department of Transport and the manfuacturers of the Diamond bus about the issue regarding the pedals.

Mr Hunter's sister Marion Moore, 62, from Norbury Avenue in Pelsall, said: "I was expecting this outcome. I came along today to find out how my brother died. It was a needless accident that could have been prevented."