Double decker bus driver admits rail bridge crash

A man has been disqualified from driving for one year for crashing a double decker bus into a railway bridge, which left a number of his passengers injured.

Alan Carey, 49, smashed into the bridge in Tradeston, Glasgow, near the O2 Academy on the morning of 21 May 2023.

Carey, from Cardonald, had mistakenly taken a wrong turn at a road diversion while he was employed with First Bus.

He pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to a single charge of dangerous driving. He was also sentenced to 96 hours of unpaid work.

His case concludes just days after a similar incident at the same railway bridge. A 4A First Bus crashed into the bridge on Saturday night, leaving one man critical in hospital.

The court heard Carey was driving the number six bus with 31 passengers on board.

Diversions had been placed on the route for the Race For Life charity run.

As the bus passed Eglington Street there were signs that told drivers that there were low bridges with maximum height restrictions.

Carey mistakenly took the wrong turn onto Cook Street which did not follow the diverted path.

The driver failed to notice warning signs on the road advising him of a low bridge ahead and the maximum height of vehicles.

Carey managed to pass under the first railway bridge which had a sign marked for a maximum vehicle height of 4.6 metres (15ft) but went on to strike a second bridge which tore the top of the roof off.

A number of passengers suffered cuts and wounds due to windows smashing. There were also whiplash injuries including sprains and strains.

Ten more seriously injured passengers were taken to hospitals and were released hours later.

Prosecutor Ross Gunn said the crash caused the roof of the top deck to become detached and fall backwards, and for the bus to become "wedged" under the bridge.

He said: "The roof was propped up against its rear at a 45-degree angle and passengers were seated on the top deck when the collision took place."

CCTV later reviewed showed Carey in a "distressed state" as he made his way to the top deck to check on passengers.

Emergency crews attended and police officers were met with people who were visibly injured on the pavement.

The railway bridge - used between Glasgow Central and Paisley stations - was put out of action while an inspection was carried out.

First Bus have confirmed that Carey is no longer an employee of the company.