Man killed in Dudley bus crash is named

The man named today as Michael Wilkinson, aged 69, was struck by a single decker bus on Monday afternoon.

The accident happened at the junction of King Street and Flood Street close to the entrance of Churchill Shopping Centre.

Police said Mr Wilkinson, who lives locally, had suffered serious head injuries following the accident at around 1.15pm.

The air ambulance was called but following treatment at the scene paramedics decided to take him by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff he died in hospital with his family at his side just after 9am on Tuesday.

Officers from the West Midlands Police's collision investigation unit are now investigating the circumstances of what happened and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Pc Paul Cope today said: "We are working hard to understand the events of the afternoon and I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and who has not yet spoken to us to call 101.

"Our thoughts are with Michael's family and are continuing to support them at this sad time."

Shoppers in the town were stunned after hearing the accident happen involving the X96 route National Express West Midlands bus.

Motorists were stuck in queues in the area as the road remained cordoned off for more than three hours following the accident.

Parts of King Street leading in and out of Dudley Bus Station was closed affecting around 10 services.

In the wake of the accident, residents have started up an online petition calling for safety improvements on the stretch of road.

Councillors have revealed revised plans to fully reopen the King Street to all traffic after it was designated a bus-only route 12 years ago.

The decision came after calls from traders who wanted the return of traffic to help increase passing trade.

National Express has confirmed it is helping police with the investigation.