Bus driver ignored repeated alarms before crashing double-decker into bridge

A bus driver ignored repeated cab alarms as he steered off his route and under a low bridge, ripping the roof off and injuring nine people, a court heard.

Darren Stevenson, 35, was at the wheel of the Stagecoach double-decker when it headed towards impact as passengers dived for safety.

Stevenson avoided jail but was banned from the road and given an electronic tagging order after admitting dangerous driving and causing injuries to the teenagers and the woman on board.

Carrie Paxton, prosecuting, said numerous people were on the Number 6 service as it drove through Kilmarnock on the afternoon of December 19, 2024.

Fiscal depute Mrs Paxton told the town’s sheriff court: “An audible warning system for bridge strikes activated, indicating a low bridge ahead.

The double-decker bus had its roof torn off after crashing into a railway bridge in East Ayrshire. STV News

“He carried on his route and as he reached the junction of Macphail Drive, the audible warning sounded again.”

The alarm activated twice more, Mrs Paxton said, adding: “At this point he should have turned right onto MacKenzie Drive as this is the normal route.”

But Stevenson continued straight on towards the railway bridge, which displayed an 8ft 3in clearance sign while the bus was 13ft 10in high.

“He failed to adhere to the audible warning for the bridge before striking and driving under the bridge at 17mph, ripping the roof totally off the double-decker before coming to rest at the other side of the bridge,” Mrs Paxton said.

“The upper deck of the bus was completely exposed, and all witnesses sustained minor injuries.”

Emergency services rushed to the scene and the victims, girls and boys aged 13 to 16 and an adult woman, were treated at the scene and at Crosshouse Hospital for whiplash injuries and cuts.

Stevenson passed police roadside drink and drug tests.

The adult passenger had been referred for specialist treatment after suffering from sleep loss due to neck and back pain, the court heard.

Stevenson admitted dangerous driving by repeatedly ignoring audible warnings of an impending bridge strike and colliding with it.

Prosecutors stated the bridge had “clearance 5ft 7ins lower than your bus, causing the roof and upper deck of said bus to be removed”, injuring the passengers.

Graeme Cunningham, defending, said Stevenson, of Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, had been staying at a homeless hostel after the accident.

Sheriff Colin Bissett banned him from driving for 28 months and ordered that he must wear an electronic tag for six months.

Stevenson must also pass the extended test before driving again.