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An enquiry has been launched into how a double-decker bus had its roof ripped off on a service where only single deckers operate. The Burnley and Pendle bus struck a low railway bridge in Dryden Street, Padiham on Saturday morning. Luckily there were no passengers on the top deck. The railway bridge is 13'9" above ground level with a clear marking giving the height – whilst the bus was 14'6" in height. The driver of the bus Alan Maxfield was unhurt. An immediate inspection was made by British Rail on the safety of the bridge but a report has not yet been given. A Burnley and Pendle spokesman said none of the senior management have been working over the Easter weekend, but a full inquiry would be made into the circumstances of what could have been a major tragedy. It is believed to be the first time a double-decker bus has been sent on the Burnley to Cambridge Drive service and management will certainly want to know how it happened.
Main photograph by Duncan Armstrong a Burnley express reader and second photograph showing the upstairs and what could have happened if any passengers had been on board.