Investigation launched into bus crash near Wem

Bus bosses have launched an investigation into the cause of a crash between a 35-seat bus and a 4x4 on a Shropshire road which injured four people, leaving them needing hospital treatment.

The smash happened near the Weston Crossroads on the B5065 near Wem at 10.35am yesterday and left the road blocked for over an hour.

The crash involved the Arriva 511 Shrewsbury to Whitchurch. Arriva bosses today confirmed they are looking into the causes of the collision.

Two people from the bus suffered head injuries while the driver and passenger of the 4x4 suffered leg and facial injuries. All were taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

An ambulance spokeswoman said: "The driver of the 4x4, a man believed to be in his 60s, suffered leg injuries and was treated at the scene. The passenger in the car, also a man, suffered facial injuries and was also treated at the scene.

"Two women passengers on the bus, both believed to be in their 70s, both suffered head injuries and were also treated at the scene."

Keith Myatt, communications manager for Arriva, said: "An investigation is now under way to look into what the cause of the accident was."

Chris Ammonds, West Mercia Police spokesman, said: "The road was completely blocked at 10.50am and officers put a stop on traffic coming off the A49 onto the Wem road.

"The road was cleared and fully reopened by 12.10pm when the vehicles had been recovered."