AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after 16 passengers and two drivers were injured when two buses crashed on Weymouth Esplanade.

Emergency services swooped on the seafront this morning following the collision between two single-decker First buses at the King's Statue bus stops.

The area was cordoned off and the seafront was closed down to King Street as rescuers worked at the scene to treat the injured.

Bus services were disrupted as the road remained closed for several hours while the scene was investigated.

The road was reopened shortly after 1pm.

Police, fire and ambulance services were called shortly after 10.30am on Friday to reports of a collision between two single-decker buses, registered to First.

Dorset Police said of the 18 injured, five were taken to Dorset County Hospital to be treated for face and neck injuries, although no conditions were believed to be life-threatening.

Two of those taken in were the drivers.

Another seven were taken by bus to be treated at Weymouth minor injuries unit. A further six people were treated at the scene for minor injuries but declined further medical treatment.

Eyewitness Peter Page, from Bridport said: “The bus had been driving along and I thought he was going to stop, and then all of a sudden it shunted into the back of the bus in front which was stationary.

“I heard an almighty crunch, then it just went silent for about two minutes, I think everybody was in shock.”

The incident happened at the main bus stops near Coral bookmakers. 

A spokesman for South  Western Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 10.35am to an impact with two buses.

“We sent a paramedic officer, a rapid response car and two ambulances. On arrival, it quickly became clear that the impact speed was low and that most of the injuries would be minor.

“Once the uninjured passengers were asked to leave the vehicles, we could then concentrate on the 18 still remaining.

Several police cars and two fire engines also attended.

The bus company sent representatives to the scene to assist emergency services.

Simon Newport, General Manager of First Dorset, said: “Our thoughts are with those that were injured as a result of the incident. 

“We have launched a full investigation to establish exactly what happened, and we are working closely with the emergency services.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

PC Angus Wilson, of Dorset Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken to officers to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 30:147. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.