A DOUBLE-DECKER bus carrying sixth form college students has crashed into a bridge.

The accident happened at about 8.40am this morning on Neasham Road, Darlington.

Click here to view photos from the scene of the accident

The yellow bus was carrying teenagers to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington.

The top deck of the bus smashed into the bridge, near The Northern Echo arena.

Eyewitness Tony Jones, who was in a car just behind the bus, said: "First of all I heard the smash.

"To be quite honest I just thought it was a farmer's wagon or a lorry, then I realised it was bus.

"I suddenly realised there were children on the top deck so I got out and phoned 999.

"There was screaming, some of the kids had cuts to the head.

"The ambulance turned up first, then the firemen were right behind them.

"The front of the bus lost its roof, it was peeled back like a can opener. The back end was crushed."

One teenage girl involved in the crash has suffered a suspected fractured collar bone, and one boy suffered head injuries.

Three 16-year-old girls suffered abrasions and a further eight casualties were described as 'walking wounded'.

The bus driver was also taken to hospital for observation - bringing the total number of those in hospital to 14.

Mr Jones added: "When I saw the state of the bus I thought there would be some fatalities.

"I'm just so relieved the children are alright."