Driver of bus that collided with tram is critically ill
THE driver of a bus in a crash with a tram is in a critical condition in hospital, police have said.
The tram derailed after the collision on Eastfield Avenue around 5.30pm on Wednesday near Edinburgh Airport.
The 66-year-old male driver of the bus sustained a number of serious injuries and was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he remains in a critical condition.
The bus was empty and20 passengers on the tram were uninjured.
The driver and conductor of the tram were checked over as a precaution but did not have serious injuries, police said.
Inquiries by Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit are continuing and anyone with information is asked to come forward.
Sergeant Fraser Wood said: “My understanding is that the bus was crossing at the level crossing where it should have been and the tram has struck it on the driver’s side.
“It caused the front end of the tram to derail.
“We will pursue all lines of inquiry until we get to the cause.”
The next stage of the investigation involves the recovery of the tram and bus which will allow the road to be reopened.
Sgt Wood added: “Our investigation will concentrate on witness statements, CCTV and any other local inquiries including the signals.
“We’ve also been in touch with Health and Safety who are speaking with the Office of Rail Regulation.”
The tram appeared to have jackknifed at the scene and there were reports that the bus was knocked on to its side.
Tram services between the Gyle Shopping Centre and the airport were stopped in the wake of the crash at about 5.30pm. Motorists also reported chaos on roads in and around the transport hub. The bus was being used to carry passengers between the longstay airport car parks and the terminal building.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Trams said: “The well-being of everyone involved in last night’s road traffic accident continues to be our number one priority.
“Our tram is currently being recovered which will allow the maintenance teams to make an assessment of the condition of tram tracks. We will continue to operate part route until this has been completed.”
A ticket acceptance agreement is in place with Lothian Buses to help customers complete their journeys.