NORTHERN Echo readers took to social media to express their sorrow at the tragic incident as a sombre mood hung over Darlington town centre yesterday.

Dozens of readers took to the Echo’s Facebook page to share their condolences with the victim’s family and express their shock and grief.

Debs Cooper reflected many people’s emotions as she posted: “This is so, so sad. Those poor people.

“I was at that bank machine yesterday and waiting outside for my daughter, I feel shook up just thinking about it.

“My thoughts are with the people involved and especially the family of the lady that has passed away.”

Victoria-Anne Majors said: “Thinking of all involved and thoughts go to the family and friends of the person who has sadly passed away.”

Sue Allan posted that she was glad to have missed the shocking incident, adding that she felt sorry for the person who died.

Catherine Lollis, who said she was on the bus at the time of the crash, was among several readers who took to social media to criticise bystanders who took footage of the scene on their mobile phones and others who made insensitive comments online.

She added: “I was on this bus and it was awful.

“I'm truly sorry for the person that died, and I hope everyone else is OK.”

Some commentators said that the tragic death should lead to a review of whether buses should be allowed through the largely pedestrianised town centre, with many complaining about the volume of bus traffic on the roads.

Commenting on Facebook, Susan Pickard said “(It was) an accident waiting to happen, there should not be any buses there, it should all be pedestrianised and should have been in the first place.

“Buses should not be where lots of people shop on foot, (it’s) ridiculous.”

These sentiments were echoed by Mandi Allen who said: “Absolutely heart-breaking.

“Could so easily have been my mum and dad.

“We need a bus station again and all the shopping area made pedestrian only.”