Oval Tube station police van and double decker bus crash was 'chaotic'

Emergency services scrambled to the scene on Kennington Park Road, near Oval Tube station, at around 11.30am on Wednesday.

One officer was trapped in the police vehicle and had to be rescued by firefighters before being taken to hospital.

Cutting gear was used to remove one of the van’s doors.

The crash took place outside Oval Tube station (Image: PA)

A shopkeeper who witnessed the crash said the police car was driving at speed with its blue lights on when it turned into the junction, crossing the path of the number 36 bus which “couldn’t stop”.

The two vehicles collided, and the police car “spun” into the traffic lights causing them to collapse, he claimed.

The shopkeeper, who did not wish to be named, said a male police officer had to be cut out of the wreckage.

He added: “It caused chaos”.

A picture from the scene appeared to show parts of the police van missing.

A trapped police officer had to be rescued by firefighters (Image: PA)

The Metropolitan Police said: “Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues in LAS (London Ambulance Service) and LFB (London Fire Brigade).

“Nine people were taken to hospital, including six police officers. Their injuries have been assessed as not life threatening or life changing.

“Road closures remain in place while officers deal with the incident and enquiries are ongoing.”

A collapsed traffic light could be seen at a junction next to Oval tube station.

A traffic light collapsed as a result of the crash (Image: PA)

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Three people who left the bus before firefighters arrived were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

“One police officer who was reported to be trapped inside the vehicle was released by firefighters before being taken to hospital.

“A number of other police officers were also taken to hospital as a precaution. Two fire engines from Clapham and Peckham fire stations and a fire and rescue unit from Battersea Fire Station attended the scene.”

A Transport for London spokesperson said: “Thankfully no serious injuries have been reported, though we understand this may have been distressing for those involved – and we have support available for anyone affected by this incident. 

“An investigation is under way and we are working with the bus operator and the police to establish what happened.”