08/07/2005

The driver of the Stagecoach bus affected in one of the terrorist bombings in London spoke today for the first time about the incident.

The 49-year-old driver, who has worked as a driver with Stagecoach for nearly three years, said his first thoughts when the incident happened were for passengers on the bus.

"I tried to help the poor people, he said. There were many injured people and at first I thought 'how am I alive, when everyone is dying around me.'

"The police then had to take me away because they were concerned there might be further explosions."

He was driving the number 30 bus on a route from Marble Arch to Hackney Wick when the incident happened around 9.50 a.m. near Russell Square in Central London yesterday.

"My bus had been diverted because there were thousands of people coming out of the Tube. There were many people who were trying to get on the bus at once.

The driver added: "Suddenly there was a bang, then carnage. Everything seemed to happen behind me.

"I am still in great shock and many terrible things are still coming back to me about what I saw."

The driver thanked his colleagues at Stagecoach and other bus companies in London for sending him messages of support.

"I have been very lucky. I am just relieved to be here and to be able to see my wife and children. Many other people have not been so fortunate. I feel for the people who have perished and for their families.

"I am pleased that many people in London are still getting the bus despite what has happened. Myself and the other drivers in London have an important job and we are going to continue to do that job as best we can. We are going to continue our normal lives. We are not going to be intimidated.

"I need some time to recover from what has happened, but I want to get back to work with Stagecoach and see all the great people at the depot."

Barry Arnold, Managing Director for Stagecoach in London, said: "It says a lot about our driver that in such terrible circumstances his first thoughts were to help others.

"Our drivers are true professionals and have done a superb job since the terrible events of yesterday. We are running a full bus service in the capital and we are very heartened that Londoners have got back on board the city’s buses despite everything that has happened.

"There is quite naturally a mixture of anger and concern at what has happened, but our team of drivers, and all other staff, are fully focused on getting back to the business of delivering important public transport services to people in London.

"Security, as always, remains our top priority across all our operations and all our staff are being extra vigilant. We regularly make checks on our vehicles each day. These detailed checks will continue and will be increased in the light of yesterday’s terrible events.

"Everyone's thoughts at Stagecoach are with the innocent victims who have lost their lives, as well as their families and loved ones. Our prayers are also with those who remain in hospital and are seriously injured.

"We have received many messages of support from Stagecoach colleagues and other transport operators right across the country.

"In partnership with Transport for London, the police and other key agencies, we are determined to work hard to ensure we deliver the best and most secure bus services possible."

ends

For further information please contact:
John Kiely, Smithfield, tel : 0207 903 0667

Note to editors:

The driver of the bus is an important police witness and is not being identified. For similar reasons, he will be giving no further media interviews in relation to this incident.