Watch pedestrian get hit by out-of-control bus in Reading

Reading buses investigating the incident


A MAN who was hit by a bus outside a bar in Reading town centre managed to stand up and walk away from the incident.

CCTV captured Simon Smith being hit at speed from behind and knocked down to the ground. Smith staggered into the doorway of the Purple Turtle bar on Gun Street and witnesses are seen to come to his aid.

Fortunately the bus veered away after the initial impact and didn’t run over him but the extent of his injuries from being hit were unclear at the time of publishing. Two people, including the man, were taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries, according to Get Reading.

A spokesman from South Central Ambulance Service said: “One patient was hit by debris and then a bit later on another patient self-presented to the crew at the scene as injured as well.”

Two rapid response vehicles, two ambulances, police and fire crews were called to the Purple number 17 bus, which crashed around at 9.12am.

Smith said he feels “lucky to be alive”.


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Reading Buses is investigating the incident. A spokesperson said: “We are obviously shocked by the incident as well as the very graphic footage that has been shared a number of times. Thankfully, the pedestrian does not have any major injuries and there were no major injuries to passengers on the bus.

“The incident is the subject of an ongoing internal investigation as well as an investigation by the police with whom we are working and sharing footage from our on-board CCTV. So it would be inappropriate for us to comment or speculate on this until it has run its course.

“We can assure the public that all our drivers are incredibly professional and trained to the highest standard. Our buses receive regular checks by our award-winning engineering department.

“We send our regrets to those affected, especially the pedestrian injured in the street and hope that he is recovering from his injuries.”

No arrests have been made at this time.