A sightseeing bus carrying tourists through central London collided with a tree on Bedford Way, near Russell Square, on Tuesday afternoon, leaving several people with minor injuries and prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The incident occurred around 2.30pm when the open-top hop-on, hop-off bus struck a roadside tree, crumpling part of the upper deck’s covered front section. Photos from the scene show significant damage to the vehicle’s roof and upper windows, with bent metal supports and scattered debris.
The bus, which is part of a popular tour service showcasing London’s landmarks, had passengers on board when the collision happened. Fortunately, despite the severity of the damage, no one required hospitalisation. London Ambulance Service confirmed that paramedics assessed two individuals at the scene and discharged them without further treatment.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 2.37pm to reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a bus on Bedford Way in the WC1 area. “Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade,” the spokesperson added. “Those involved sustained minor injuries. The road remains closed.”
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) deployed two fire engines and a fire rescue unit from Euston and Soho fire stations to the scene. “Crews made the scene safe after a bus collided with a tree,” said an LFB spokesperson. The brigade was first called at 2.45pm and remained on-site until the area was secured.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud bang followed by screams from the upper deck. “We were just walking by the University of London when we saw the top of the bus smash into the tree,” said Marta Gonzalez, a tourist from Spain. “Glass fell everywhere, and people were crying out. It was very frightening.”
The vehicle’s upper level included a partially covered section at the front — which bore the brunt of the impact — and uncovered seats at the rear. The positioning may have helped reduce the number of injuries, as most tourists prefer to sit in the open-air section for a better view of the city.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car, and an incident response officer were dispatched. “We treated two people and discharged them at the scene,” they said.
The crash caused significant disruption in the area, with Bedford Way cordoned off while emergency personnel worked. Transport for London has advised motorists and bus operators to avoid the area until the road reopens.
As investigations continue, safety concerns around sightseeing bus routes through narrow or tree-lined streets may come under scrutiny. Tour operators have yet to comment on the cause of the incident or confirm whether the driver faced any immediate sanctions. The Met Police confirmed that inquiries are ongoing.
