18 hurt as bus roof is torn off

Seven people were taken to hospital after police, ambulance and fire services were called to the accident on Fishponds Road, Bristol, at 7.40am.

The accident involved a First Bus vehicle using the busy main road when it hit the low hanging tree branch. The ripped-off roof landed 100 yards away from where the bus stopped.

Those injured had been travelling upstairs on the double decker.

Ambulance crews, including doctors with specialist trauma training, treated seven passengers who were taken to hospitals in the area.

One, a man in his 20s who had been trapped, had a suspected back injury

Eleven people were treated at the scene for cuts and bruises to their heads.

The local ambulance service said all of those treated were adults.

The bus driver was not injured.

A spokeswoman for First Group said an investigation into the exact causes of the incident had begun.

Police said the road was re-opened shortly before midday.