Car driver dies in head-on Walsall bus crash

The 34-year-old motorist was declared dead at the scene after the crash between his Honda Jazz and the X51 bus in Birmingham Road. He was named locally as Majid Hussain.

The County Hotel near the crash scene became a refuge for 17 bus passengers who were treated by ambulance staff after the collision at about 6.05pm last night. A total of 25 people were seen by paramedics.

Passengers were ushered to safety while the car driver was pulled from the wreckage by residents who had rushed to help, before paramedics battled to save him on the roadside.

Neighbours said they heard a loud bang and were shocked by the 'carnage' they saw on the road, which is one of the main routes into Walsall.

The car was on the wrong side of the road when it ploughed into the front of the bus. Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision.

Family members of the driver, who is from Walsall, arrived in the hours after the smash, and sobbed and consoled each other as they watched police clear the scene.

Dozens of people have paid tribute to the victim, with more than 100 leaving comments on a Facebook page. Friend Zia Hussain, a Wolverhampton University law student, said: "Maj was a really nice guy and always smiling.

"Everyone will say the same thing, Maj was always smiling whether it was at work, with family, with friends or at the mosque."

The 24-year-old added: "He was a family-orientated man and we are all shocked by what has happened. This is a complete tragedy and he will be really missed. With it being Ramadan as well it makes it even pertinent. It is astounding that this could have happened."

The road was closed for about four hours while police carried out investigations into the crash.

Five patients were immobilised using neck collars and spinal boards before being taken to hospital. Two, including the bus driver, were taken to Walsall Manor and three to Sandwell Hospital.

The casualties included a man with a throat injury after being thrown forward and a woman with a knee injury. Three more had minor injuries. The other passengers were checked over but discharged at the scene.

Taxi driver Mumtaz Hussain, 42, of Rowley Street, said: "It's so shocking. A young man has died and my thoughts go out to his family."

Six ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and two paramedic officers were dispatched.

Ambulance service spokesman Murray MacGregor said: "Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that there was nothing that could be done to save the man who was in the car and he was confirmed dead at the scene."

Meanwhile four people were also injured in two cars which crashed with a bus near Brierley Hill. The 15 passengers on the bus involved in the accident escaped unhurt but both drivers and two other people in the cars were injured.

The accident happened at about 7.50pm yesterday in Chapel Street, Pensnett.

Accident was terrible, it was total carnage - See today's Express & Star