'Houses shaking' after bus swerves on to pavement and crashes

Bus company Arriva has released an update after a terrifying crash that saw a bus swerve onto a pavement and smash into a car and lampposts.

At around 1.30pm on Sunday, an Arriva bus, travelling on the 46 route to Southport, mounted the pavement in Carr Lane in Ainsdale before crashing into a parked car and two lampposts. Dramatic pictures show the aftermath of the incident, with the bus badly damaged and a trail of destruction behind it.

One man, who lives close to the crash site and asked not to be named, told the ECHO: "I heard a loud crack, which I think was the tyre hitting the kerb. Then I looked out of my window and saw this bus sailing past on the pavement. It must have travelled for 60-80 feet on the pavement.

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"There are people living on the next street who said their houses were shaking because of the impact of the crash."

The witness said the crash happened as the bus turned from Guildford Road into Carr Lane. After smashing into a parked car and taking out one lamp post, the bus came to a halt as it hit a second lamp post. Images show the front of the vehicle crushed against the post, with liquid spilling out.

The local resident said the junction involved is notorious for accidents and this latest crash has left him fearing for the safety of his family and neighbours.

He added: "Carr Lane is packed usually with children either from the local schools or those using the playing fields. That junction is renowned for accidents. As a local resident I really fear for my family's safety.

"I have no doubt that if pedestrians had been nearer to the scene then we would have been looking at serious if not fatal results."

He said he was "gobsmacked" by what he saw, adding: "I've seen a few accidents before but I have never seen a bus mount the kerb and career along it like that."

The ECHO has now received a response from Arriva following the incident. A spokesperson for the company said: "We can confirm there were no passengers on board and an investigation is on going."

Merseyside Police were also contacted for a response.

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