A NORTH-EAST man has died after a head-on collision with a bus on the A19.

The accident involved a red Peugeot 206 and a green Volvo bus near Tollerton, between Thirsk and Shipton-by-Beningbrough, at about 6pm on Wednesday, July 16.

The driver of the Peugeot, a 45-year-old man from the Middlesbrough area, suffered serious injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The bus driver, a 52-year-old man from Malton, North Yorkshire, sustained serious leg injuries in the incident. He had to be freed by firefighters and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by air ambulance.

There were only three passengers on the bus who all escaped unharmed. A mobile police office was deployed to the scene to provide support and shelter for the stranded passengers.

The road was closed in both directions while specialist collision investigators examined the scene and was reopened at around 1.40am on Thursday, July 17.

Police have not named the man who died.

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw either vehicle prior to the incident to contact them with information.

Traffic Constable Zoe Billings, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Investigation Team, said: “This collision occurred on a busy stretch of road at a busy time of day and it is possible that a number of people who witnessed the incident have yet to come forward.

“If you did see what happened or saw either the bus or the Peugeot prior to the incident you may have information vital to the investigation and I urge you to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Traffic Constable Ken Briggs or the Major Collision Investigation Team.