Victims of fatal crash on A47 at Guyhirn identified
Two men who died in a crash involving a double-decker bus and a lorry on the A47 near Guyhirn yesterday have been named by police.
Michael Elcombe, 45, of Cley Road, Swaffham, died when the bus he was driving was involved in a collision with a lorry at about 7.30am on Tuesday.
Brian Chapman, 76, of Cherry Road, Kettering, who was a passenger on the bus, also died at the scene.
Seventeen other people were injured in the crash, six of them seriously. Most of the injured were from Peterborough, with one from Hunstanton. All of the victims were travelling on the bus.
Steve Wickers, managing director at First Eastern Counties said: “It was a very sad day yesterday for everyone involved in what was a devastating incident on the A47 in Guyhirn. I, along with my local team would like to send our sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues who have lost a loved one from the incident and to extend my thoughts to those who sustained injuries, who I hope all have speedy recoveries.
"I would also like to thank the Police and the Emergency Services for their support yesterday, in what was a very traumatic situation to manage.
"Today has been a challenge, especially for the colleagues and friends of Michael our driver at Kings Lynn bus depot, who sadly lost his life. But as true professionals and as dedicated as they are, our drivers have all come into work this morning and are providing a full service for customers."
MP for North West Norfolk Sir Henry Bellingham has passed on his sympathies to the families of the two victims.
He said: “This was obviously a horrendous accident, and my heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the families of the two victims.
"I visited the First Eastern King’s Lynn depot a few weeks back, and was able to see for myself the dedication and professionalism amongst a small and close-knit family of drivers.
"I do know that losing one of their own in this way will be a grievous blow, and the thoughts and sympathies of the whole community are also with all of the other drivers and staff of First Eastern.”
He added: "It is clearly much too early at this stage to even think about speculating about what happened. There is obviously a full and complex ongoing inquiry by both the police and Highways England, as well as by First Eastern and the haulage company.
"I have myself made it clear to the Minister for Transport that if there are any lessons to be learnt from this, then it is essential that he moves into action straight away.”
Insp Jamie Langwith, from the combined Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire roads policing unit, said yesterday: “It is horrendous, an awful scene. There was upwards of 20 officers, several fire and several ambulances as well."
He said the lorry driver was questioned, but no arrests have been made.
Diversions were in place and the road was closed for a number of hours while investigations continued.
Police have also appealed for anyone who saw the crash, or anyone with dashcam footage, to contact them via the non-emergency 101 number.
