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Arriva bus crashes into scaffolding at flats on site of former Dog and Bone pub in Jeffery Street near Gillingham High Street

18:40, 13 August 2024

updated: 09:45, 14 August 2024

Additional reporting by Brad Harper

A large number of emergency services were called after a bus crashed into scaffolding surrounding a new-build.

The collision, which also involved a car, happened in Jeffery Street in Gillingham town centre at around 4.30pm.

Police, fire and ambulance crews are at the scene
Police, fire and ambulance crews are at the scene
The Arriva bus smashed into scaffolding. Picture: Brad Harper
The Arriva bus smashed into scaffolding. Picture: Brad Harper

The road was shut in both directions from James Street to Skinner Street while police, fire crews and paramedics made the scene safe.

Pictures show an Arriva bus embedded in scaffolding surrounding a building site, next to the public car park near the junction with James Street.

The site, which is being converted into flats, was previously the Dog and Bone pub, which closed in January 2018.

Permission to demolish the building and build a four-storey building in its place with a shop, restaurant and 24 apartments got the green light in 2019.

Resident Bob Donkin was walking down the high street when he heard the collision.

After hearing the noise of the crash, he took a picture of the aftermath.

Police have cordoned off the road
Police have cordoned off the road
The aftermath of the collision
The aftermath of the collision

Another eyewitness told KentOnline: “A bus appears to have crashed into a development, causing damage to the scaffolding surrounding the four-story building.

“There is also debris in the road and the bus appears to also be damaged on the driver’s side.”

Meanwhile, a resident who lives opposite where the incident happened says he heard the news from his mum.

“She called and she said ‘Oh there's been a crash outside again’,” he said.

“I was at work and then I had to come all the other way and everything and then discovered that this was going on.”

The road was shut after the crash. Picture: Brad Harper
The road was shut after the crash. Picture: Brad Harper
The fire service were called to make the scene safe. Picture: Brad Harper
The fire service were called to make the scene safe. Picture: Brad Harper

A spokesperson for the fire service said crews were called just after 4.30pm.

“One fire engine attended, and crews made sure the scene was safe, due to scaffolding on a building being affected,” they said.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called to a collision involving a bus and a car.

“A police officer attended and assisted with traffic management at the scene.”

Ambulance confirmed there were no serious injuries.

A spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a crash involving a bus and a car.

“Four people were assessed and treated at the scene. One patient was then discharged from our care and three patients were taken to Medway Maritime Hospital for further medical treatment.”

Arriva, has been contacted for more information.

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