Eastleigh Bus Driver Hailed as Hero After River Crash: “Accelerator Jammed,” Eyewitness Says

The driver of a college bus that crashed into the River Itchen in Bishopstoke this morning is being hailed as a “hero” after reportedly telling an eyewitness that the “accelerator had jammed”, leaving him unable to stop the vehicle.

The double-decker Bluestar 607 college service, carrying students to Barton Peveril College, ploughed through roadside railings and landed in the shallow river shortly after 10:45am.

“He Did His Best to Minimise Harm”

James West, a resident of Guest Road whose property overlooks the river, described the moment the bus veered off Bishopstoke Road and smashed through railings.

“It sounded like a bomb, that’s the best description,” he told the Daily Echo. “It sounded like something exploded. Bits of the bus ended up in our garden.”

Mr. West said his wife spoke directly to the driver moments after the crash.

“He told her his accelerator jammed, and he couldn’t slow the bus down before it hit the river,” he explained.

“I think he was a bit of a hero, in all honesty, because he could’ve taken out cars, houses, pedestrians. It sounds like he did the best he could to minimise damage.”

Neighbours Rushed to Help Students

Following the impact, James and his wife rushed down to the water to assist with evacuating passengers, who were described as “all kids” and “all in shock.”

“My wife went down the back of the garden and helped people get out,” he said. “We set up a load of chairs, and another neighbour brought drinks round. We could hear a lot of distressed people on the bus.”

Mr. West expressed concern about social media rumours wrongly blaming the driver.

“Some people online are saying he was drunk or fell asleep at the wheel. But we spoke to him. He was clearly injured and said the accelerator was stuck. That needs to be out there.”

Emergency Response and Injuries

Emergency services including South Central Ambulance Service, Hampshire Fire and Rescue, and Hampshire Police responded with multiple ambulances, air ambulances, and specialist units.

• 17 people were injured, including three taken to hospital as “high priority” patients.

• The bus was carrying students from Barton Peveril College.

• A parent support hub was established at The Hub at Bishopstoke for worried families.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash. Hampshire Constabulary and Bluestar have launched an investigation, and recovery efforts for the vehicle are underway.