A STAGECOACH driver who forgot he was driving a double decker bus when he smashed into a low level rail bridge has caused the company to review route changes.

A police report has been sent to the crown prosecution service for a decision on whether charges should be brought against him.

The X90 service, which usually uses a single decker bus to take passengers from Darlington to the MetroCentre in Gateshead, changed a few weeks ago to a double decker service to cope with an increase in demand.

But on Monday morning, the driver who normally operates that service using a single deck bus forgot he was at the wheel of a double decker and took the wrong route.

At about 11am, 45 passengers were horrified when the 13ft 6in high bus drove straight for a 12ft 9in low bridge at Metal Bridge between Spennymoor and Coxhoe.

Eighteen people were injured as the top of the bus was ripped off, though none seriously.

Eleven were taken to the university hospital, Durham. The others declined treatment and some continued on their shopping expeditions.

Miss Elizabeth Robinson, from Springfield, Darlington, was sitting with her mother Ellen behind the stairs on the top deck when the accident happened.

She said: "We never thought that the bus wasn't going to go under the bridge until we heard the crunch then we ducked instinctively.''

Miss Robinson reached for her mobile phone and called the emergency services which arrived within four or five minutes.

She said: "I only have a few bumps and bruises, and those who were hurt had superficial wounds. We are all very lucky. People say the driver was going too fast, but I don't think he was. If he had been it would have been a lot worse.''

Police said the bus travelled a further 40 yards after going under the bridge.

Mr Ian Pointon, marketing manager for Stagecoach, said the driver, who was unhurt, had 25 years' experience with the company.

He told the D&S Times: "It would appear the driver forgot he was driving a double decker bus and followed the normal route.

"We have drivers who drive that service day in and day out using single decker buses. I'm afraid human error has occurred on this occasion.

"We are now seriously reviewing the procedures we have in place for double decker buses being used on single decker routes."

Trains on the main east coast line were delayed for about 45 minutes while Railtrack engineers inspected the bridge for structural damage.

The line re-opened when they were satisfied no damage had occurred.