A bus driver has died after two single-decker buses collided in Chester-le-Street, County Durham on Wednesday (03/03/10) afternoon.

Sky News reports that the accident happened in North View in the Newfield area of the city at around 4pm.

It is thought that three passengers on the single-decker buses were taken to Durham University Hospital suffering from minor injuries.

Another person is thought to have been airlifted from the scene by Air Ambulance and taken to Newcastle Hospital.

Police say that one person had to be cut free from the wreckage of the buses by the emergency services.

A workman who was at the scene first – Paul Morley – told reporters from local newspaper the Northern Echo:

‘I ran over to the buses when I heard the crash. I went to see if everyone was OK. Two people were on the floor of the bus, and one lady was on the seat and the driver was over the railing.’

‘I looked in the other bus – the white bus – and there was a man who was seriously hurt. My initial reaction was that he looked worse, so I went to help him. I waited with him until the ambulance came. My clothes were covered in blood.

‘There were young children who live nearby and their parents were trying to keep them away from the scene. Three cars passed me by and I stopped one and told them to ring the emergency services,’ Mr Morley said.

A spokesman from Durham Police said:

‘At present it is known that one person has died and a number of passengers have been injured.’

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