Bus crash near Biggar injures driver and 13 passengers

The crash, which took place at 8.30pm at Candymill saw the driver taken to Wishaw General Hospital with a suspected spinal fracture.

The passengers, described by police as “walking wounded”, were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A statement from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said: “The rapid and effective rescue operations carried out by the crews at the scene meant that all persons were removed from the bus within the hour of arrival and casualties were taken to hospital for further checkup.

“The cause of the accident is yet unknown and is being investigated by police.”

The McEwan’s bus had been travelling towards Biggar when it came off the road and went down an embankment.

Emergency services were quickly on the scene to attend to the injured passengers.

Thankfully none of the injuries sustained by any of the passengers or the driver is life threatening.

Police said that passenger injuries included bumps to the head, lower back pain and minor facial injuries.

Inspector Scott Jones has warned drivers to watch their speed on Clydesdale’s rural roads in the wake of the crash.

He said: “You should always drive within the conditions at the time.

“Last night (Wednesday) there was a bit of fog about; if conditions are like that then drivers should always reduce their speed.

“The A702 is a fast road and drivers can over-take although that is not what happened in this case.

“The bend at Candymill, where the accident took place, is very sharp and there is no doubt that it could have been a lot worse.”