Scaffolding collapses in Dudley town centre

One pedestrian escaped with minor head injuries who was caught as falling debris landed in Dudley High Street.

Metal scaffolding poles smashed through windows on the number 257 National Express double decker bus, shattering glass on the upper tier following the collision.

West Midlands Fire service believe the bus, which takes passengers between Dudley and Stourbridge, hit the scaffolding, bringing it crashing down.

Police, paramedics and fire crews were called to the top of Dudley High Street at its junction with Stafford Street at 9.50am today. The scaffolding was in place near The Venue banqueting suite opposite the Church of Saint Thomas, known as Top Church.

National Express West Midlands spokesman Jack Kelly said: "We can confirm that one of our vehicles was involved in an incident in Dudley this morning.

"Emergency services are in attendance and we will work with the authorities during any investigation into its cause."

Trudie Price, who runs Trudie's New Style in High Street, described the scene seconds after the collapse. She said: "I just heard this loud bang and I went outside and the bus was there and the scaffolding was in the road.

"It was quite dramatic because the police have closed the road off and the fire engines are there."

Passer-by Tracey Wollam, aged 31, who lives just off High Street, was walking past the shops when she saw the chaos caused in the aftermath.

"It was lucky no-one was seriously hurt. It didn't look like there was anyone injured but it looked a bit chaotic. "The scaffolding had just come down and hit the bus. They were already taping off the road when I arrived. No-one was around diverting traffic though."

An ambulance service spokesman said a man in his forties had minor knee and facial injuries.

Trudie Price, who runs Trudie's New Style in High Street, described the scene seconds after the collapse.

She said: "I didn't see anything because I was doing someone's hair at the time. I just heard this loud bang and I went outside and the bus was there and the scaffolding was in the road.

"There were a lot of people about but I wasn't sure if they were walking past but there were passengers on the bus. It's outside a shop that has been empty. I'm sure there were men working on the scaffolding this morning."

A worker at E J Caribbean takeaway, in Stafford Street, who would not be named, said: "I was shocked to see what had happened. It has obviously caused a lot of damage and it is not something which you generally see along the road."

Fire crews and police remained at the scene this afternoon.

Traffic was being diverted down Stafford Street which was causing delays.