Woman’s leg amputated after Birkenhead bus collision

Jul 17 2008 by Matt Hurst, Wirral News Series

AN elderly woman had a leg amputated after being hit by a bus in Birkenhead Bus Station.

The woman, who has not been identified but is said to be in her 70s and from Birkenhead, was treated at the scene before being taken to Arrowe Park Hospital.

The incident on Thursday morning, which involved the 413 service to Liscard, occurred at around 10.50am and prompted the closure of the busy station.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) sent numerous vehicles to assist, including a rapid response vehicle and an emergency ambulance containing the Arrowe Park Hospital trauma team.

Police and fire services are currently on scene and a tarpaulin has been erected at the side of the bus involved.

It is believed the woman had to be forcibly removed from under the front passenger side wheel, as the bus has been lifted onto bricks to allow access.

A spokesperson for Arriva said the driver suffered no injuries but was "badly shaken" by the incident and he will be offered time off or counselling to help recouperate.

The bus had just pulled away from the stop and is believed to have only been travelling at around 3 or 4mph when the collision occurred.

The incident caused traffic delays around Claughton Road and Argyle Street and motorists were advised to avoid the area until the station reopened at around 2pm.