A bus crashed into a group of parked cars at a train station in East Sussex today, causing major disruption to Southern rail services on the West Coastway Line.
The level crossing at Portslade Station in East Sussex was forced to close and trains stopped calling at both platforms until shortly before 4pm.
The collision involved a double-decker operated by Brighton & Hove Buses and 12 stationary vehicles on Station Road at around 2pm.
Three people were injured in the incident earlier this afternoon, with one woman being rushed to hospital.
No commuters on board the bus were injured, it is understood.
Pictures from the scene showed severe damage to the front of the bus, while damaged cars could be seen lined up near the crossing.
Lisa Putman, who witnessed the collision, told Brighton and Hove News: “The gates were down.
“The 46 bus turned at the station and went into the back of two cars, then swerved and hit seven cars in the station car park.”
Trains stopped calling at Portslade Station
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GEOGRAPH
Sussex Police are now appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage is urged to email [email protected], quoting serial 697 of 1/9.
The force said: “Three motorists were injured. A woman was taken to hospital to be treated while two men were treated at the scene.”
Meanwhile, Matt Ashton, managing director for Brighton and Hove Buses, which is owned by the Go-Ahead group, has launched an investigation into the crash.
Southern Rail has since confirmed disruption caused by the crash has been cleared.
The bus crashed into a group of parked cars
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BRIGHTON & HOVE BUSES
As of 4pm, Boundary Road remains blocked both ways from Vale Road to the station.
Govia Thameslink Railway, which owns the station and the car park, apologised to passengers for the disruption caused.
Southern previously told members of the public on X: “No trains can stop at Portslade until further notice.
“You will need to use an alternative route to reach your destination.
“You should allow at least an additional 45 minutes to complete your journey today.
“If you are travelling to/from Portslade you will need to use an alternative route.
“Disruption is expected until 16:30.”
Portslade Station connects Britons eastbound toward Brighton and London Victoria and westbound toward Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbour.