1:13pm Monday 28th September 2009
A BUS has crashed into a building in Bromley town centre, injuring three people.
It is understood the red double-decker hit Hammonds furniture shop in Widmore Road at around noon today (September 28).
Staff at Thackray-Williams solicitors were evacuated following the accident.
They have not been allowed to go back into their office in Kings House, next to the crash site.
Widmore Road has been cordoned off by police between Tweedy Road and East Street after the accident near the Glades shopping centre.
Maggie Gebbett, of Yester Road, Chislehurst, said she saw three police cars and two ambulances at the scene.
The 64-year-old added: "It must have been a hell of a crash.
"The bus had obviously veered across the pavement, maybe 10-15ft, and buried itself in the building, so the top of the bus was all crushed.
"I would think if there was anyone on top of the bus they are going to be in a very bad way."
Police have confirmed three people were injured in the crash involving the number 61, but it is not known if they were bus passengers or pedestrians.
Another eyewitness, Ron Carter, of Empress Drive, Chislehurst, said: "The road going into East Street was completely cordoned off.
"There was a double-decker bus that was wedged into a building, it had taken the front of it with it."
Motorists have told how queues of traffic are backing up along Tweedy Road and Kentish Way.
Joan Duhig, 72, of Brockman Rise, Downham, says she was waiting in traffic in Kentish Way for around 25 minutes.
She said: "It looks very bad.
"I just hope the driver and passengers haven't been hurt."
A Transport for London spokesman said there would be a "full investigation" into the incident, adding: "Widmore Road is currently closed in both directions, causing delays for drivers in the area."
A number of bus routes are now on diversion, including route numbers 61, 246 and 320.
There have been no arrests in connection with the accident.
Did you see what happened? Were you on the bus? Call the newsroom on 01689 885732.
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