Teenager in hospital after bus stop crash

A teenager knocked down by a car at a bus stop today spoke for the first time of the moment he heard a screech and everything went black.

James Jones is recovering at Walsall Manor Hospital with a badly broken leg after the horror smash in?Walsall Wood.

Six pupils from Shire Oak Academy were hit by a Peugeot 106 on Thursday afternoon.

These included James' 15-year-old brother Stephen who suffered a bruised hip. Another pupil was treated for internal bleeding. James, aged 17 and from Pelsall, underwent a five-hour operation on his broken leg on Friday and is undergoing a second operation today.

He is due to stay in hospital until at least tomorrow. Speaking from his hospital bed, James recalled the moment when the car crashed into the bus stop in Friezland Lane. He said: "There were about 15 of us standing at the bus stop.

"I heard someone say the bus was coming and the next thing I heard was a loud screech and then everything went black. I think I hit my head on a bin.

"The next thing I knew I was lying on the pavement and I was in a lot of pain."

Sixth form student James, who is due to sit several A-level exams in three weeks time, was treated at the scene for his injuries and taken to Walsall Manor by ambulance.

He said his leg was throbbing with pain after his operation. James's mother Julie Jones, a night care assistant, 54, said: "I was at home when I got the call from the school," she said. "I was so shook up. When I got to the school I saw six paramedics treating James. I feared the worst.

"It's come at such a bad time because James has his exams in three weeks."

His father Michael, 63, a nuclear power assistant, added: "We're so grateful both our sons are alright."

James' parents paid tribute to staff at the school and particularly headteacher Gary Crowther, who they said kept everyone calm. Mr Crowther said everyone at the school was shocked and shaken.

The car was being driven by a 19-year-old man. West Midlands Police are investigating the crash.