Go North East statement on Stanley, County Durham bus crash

Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the A693 and Noel Street in Stanley at around 9.30am on Sunday (July 19) after a driver was believed to have suffered a medical episode at the wheel.

The bus came off the road and ended up in the garden of a house, leaving the driver injured. He was taken to University Hospital of North Durham.

A Go North East spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our buses in Stanley yesterday and would like to thank the emergency services for their quick response.

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers, colleagues and the wider public is always our highest priority. We are supporting the relevant authorities with ongoing enquiries into the incident.”

Durham Police confirmed the bus hit some railings and has since been recovered, while the council was called to clear up debris in the road.

A spokesperson for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: “There were concerns that the driver may have suffered a medical episode prior to the collision.

“One crew from Consett and one crew from High Handenhold attended the incident and worked alongside ambulance and police colleagues, providing assistance at the scene and assessing those involved. The service left the scene at 11.15am.”