A DRIVER who survived a head-on crash between two buses in which one man died will not face prosecution, police confirmed tonight.

Jack Hall, 51, was so severely injured in the horror smash that killed fellow driver Gordon Hutchinson, that there is no way of knowing whether he became ill before the accident.

Insp Ken Cook, of Durham Constabulary's accident investigation unit, said: "On medical advice we have been told that because of the severity of the injuries we are not in a position to interview Mr Hall and he is not in a position to tell us what happened.

"The doctors have told us he would have no memory of what happened.

"There is insufficient evidence to prove that Mr Hall was in control of his vehicle."

Police have proved that drink, drugs and excessive speed played no part in the accident on March 3 at Newfield, near Chester-le-Street.

Investigators have also been able to rule out mechanical failure, mobile phone use and third party involvement.

Mr Hall, a grandfather, of Stanley, was driving a coach while Mr Hutchinson, a 58-year-old father-of-three, of Chester-le-Street, was driving a service minibus.

Pictures from the scene show how Mr Hall's empty Nightingale's came to rest on the wrong side of the road where it collided with Mr Hutchinson's 28-seat vehicle.

Mr Hall suffered head, chest and leg injuries, but made progress at Newcastle General Hospital and is now recovering at home.

Insp Cook said: "It was a tragic set circumstances where a driver has unfortunately a driver has lost his life.

"My thoughts are with the two families, who are no doubt, having difficulty coming to terms with what has happened."

A file is being prepared for the coroner and an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the crash.