Witnesses speak of horror after Darlington bus ploughs into bank killing elderly pedestrian

Paul Frazer, 34, who works for Primark, had just finished his shift and had caught the bus heading to his Darlington home.

Emergency services at the scene of the tragedy in Darlington town centre. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

He said: "As soon as I sat down the bus jolted forward. It felt like a whoosh, such a fast speed."

Police said the bus went about 20 yards across the road, hitting a pillar of the bank close to its door.

Passengers were helped off the bus through the emergency exit by a Polish passer-by, said Mr Frazer, who was reassuring an elderly woman on the vehicle who looked close to tears.

He said: "I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped me off. My emotions were running high. It was a scary ordeal."

Darlington 24-year-old Sophie Parker, pictured above, was on the bus when it crashed into the Halifax Building Society, in Northgate, this morning.

Talking about the incident that claimed the life of an elderly woman, the health care assistant said: “I feel so shaken and sick still.

“I’d got the bus from Branksome and it had just pulled away from the bus stop when it went into the Halifax.

“It knocked people over and it’s all a bit of a blur but it was horrible, so scary.

“There were about 15 people on the bus, I wasn’t hurt but some people fell over and I think one might have injured his leg.

“It was chaotic and everyone was panicking, those stuck on the bus and those outside it.

“We escaped through the emergency door and I was in shock.

“I’m not sure if I can get on a bus again.”

Emergency services at the scene of the tragedy in Darlington town centre. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Darlington resident Fiona Turnbull was in the bank when the bus came crashing through the window and was within inches of being hit by it.

Still physically shaking after suffering a panic attack, Ms Turnbull told The Northern Echo: “There was a lady inside who’d asked me something so I turned around; if it hadn’t have been for that then I would have stepped out and that would have been it for me.

“We both jumped backwards and I heard the screams, then I looked and saw the bus coming.

“I fell back on the step and I was frozen, it was inches from me.

“I will see that bus coming towards me for a long time.”

Another witness at the scene said: “The number 2 bus was parked up on the side of the road and pulled out before going straight into the bank.

“It was absolutely shocking, I’m still shaking now.

“That person was just out doing a bit of shopping and now they’re dead.

“It was so horrible.

“My son and I were so lucky – we were using the cash machine just seconds before but I’d forgotten my card so left – if I hadn’t left it at home, I’d still have been there when it happened.”

Tarpaulin is placed around the scene where an elderly woman was killed in Northgate, Darlington. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

A town centre shop worker, who did not wish to be named, said she had popped out for an early lunch only to be greeted by sirens and the air ambulance arriving overhead.

She said: “The ladies in Greggs said they heard a real big bang and the place shook; it went through the window of the bank apparently.

“It’s awful, you think of everyone you know in the town centre and you hope it isn’t them.”

Emergency services at the scene of the tragedy in Darlington town centre. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Janet Langan, a retired civil servant who lives in Branksome, on the edge of Darlington, came out of the Queen Street Shopping Centre just after the crash.

"People were being sick and people were crying," the 64-year-old said.

"That turning is just a death trap. It's the second time this has happened. About 18 months ago a bus went skew-whiff at the sharp turn by Boots and Halifax, but not like this.

"I use that bus - the number 2 - every day. The only reason I wasn't outside the bank is because I went to buy a tin of paint. That's what has stunned me more than anything - that I would have been there.

"I just stood with my mouth open and couldn't believe it."

Chief Inspector Graham Milne said: "We have some very good CCTV evidence as it occurred and we are appealing for witnesses. If anyone has any information please call Durham Police on 101."

He thanked local businesses for their help.

Arriva North East said the bus was Service 2 from Branksome to Red Hall and an investigation has begun.