Driver fights for life after coach crash in East end

MORE than 20 people were hurt when a coach collided with a car in east London today, leaving the coach driver fighting for his life.

Police are investigating whether the car driver was drunk when the crash happened in Whitechapel in the early hours.

The single-decker bus, en route to Stansted airport from Victoria, ploughed into a restaurant. The coach driver, who had to be cut from the wreckage by firefighters, was this afternoon in a critical condition in hospital. Some of his passengers were treated for minor injuries.

The motorist, thought to be in his early twenties, remains in a serious but stable condition. Police were unable to breath-test him immediately because of his injuries and it is believed they were seeking permission for a blood test.

The accident happened shortly after 3am in Whitechapel High Street when the coach collided with a Ford Escort.

Minicab controller Amir Khattak 28, who was in his office yards away, said: "I heard a really loud screech and a large crashing noise. I rushed to my window and I saw that the coach had completely ripped apart the restaurant and people were screaming.

"I ran downstairs to see if I could help but thankfully the hospital is just nearby." The coach smashed into the Pretty Tanha Cafe in Whitechapel Road.

The free-standing building - the only former public lavatory known to have been converted into a restaurant - was almost destroyed.

An emergency services spokesman said six ambulances, one fast response car and a duty station officer were sent to the scene. Eight passengers were taken to the Royal London Hospital, of whom three were later still receiving treatment.

The coach was operated by Terravision, a Rome-based firm which set up in competition with the established National Express London bus services two years ago.

Almost all the drivers and crew are Italian. The company was unavailable for comment.

Police investigations were continuing and officers are appealing for witnesses. Call 020 8345 4922.

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