Public praised for Walsall bus crash action as elderly woman is critical in hospital
Police have praised members of the public who came to the rescue of a woman in her 80s who was seriously injured while waiting for a bus in the Black Country.
The woman remains in a critical condition in hospital following the incident at a bus shelter in Bradford Street, Walsall, at around 1pm on Tuesday.
It is understood she had been sitting with another woman, also in her 80s, on a bench in the bus shelter when a Diamond Bus crashed into it.
Police initially reported the woman is in her 90s but have now confirmed she is in her 80s.
She was one of five people who needed medical attention after the crash, which also involved a National Express bus, but was the only person seriously hurt.
A number of members of the public tried to lift up the damaged shelter – while others looked after the woman until emergency crews arrived.
The second woman, who suffered only minor injuries, was checked over before being allowed home to continue her recovery.
The bus driver, aged in his 50s, remained at the scene and has been spoken to by West Midlands Police officers as enquiries continue.
Nobody has been arrested, police confirmed as they appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "I would like to thank all those who so kindly tried to help following this shocking incident.
"The family of the woman are being supported by our specialist officers as we work to establish exactly what happened.
"We continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry so that we can fully understand exactly what happened but I would ask anyone who was at the scene and has not yet spoken to us to get in touch."
Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log number 1911-100821.
Alternatively, email fl_collision_invest@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.
