Overview
- A double-decker Stagecoach bus struck a heavy goods vehicle on Westgate Road in Newcastle city centre on Tuesday, prompting an immediate large emergency response.
- North East Ambulance Service said four ambulance crews attended and eight people were taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary while a number of others were treated and discharged at the scene.
- Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue crews made both vehicles safe, reported no entrapments, and left the scene after clearance later that morning.
- Northumbria Police established a cordon, advised drivers to use alternate routes, and are leading an ongoing collision inquiry with assistance from Stagecoach.
- The closure of Westgate Road caused major traffic disruption on a busy city artery and highlighted pressure on local emergency services as investigators continue to establish how the collision happened.