Man arrested following fatal accident in East Sheen


Grandmother dies and two others seriously injured by bus

Three generations of the same family have been involved in a road accident in the East Sheen area. A woman in her sixties has been killed and her daughter and two year old granddaughter have been seriously injured by a 209 bus.

The incident occurred on North Worple Way at 9.48 on Wednesday morning (25th April). The three women were believed to be standing on the pavement when hit by the bus. They were taken to hospital but the elder woman died. Her granddaughter who is believed to be aged between 2 and 3 is in a critical condition and the child's mother is in a stable condition. The injured toddler, who is called Pollyanna, has undergone surgery at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in an attempt to save her leg.

The dead woman has been named as Elizabeth Panton from Shropshire, who was visiting her daughter. She is the mother-in-law of Conservative MP Richard Bacon.

Sgt Greg Page, of the Collision Investigation Unit based at Hampton Traffic Garage, said: "This bus terminus is in the middle of a residential area with a railway line opposite. We have some witnesses from the scene but are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area or passing through and may have seen anything of the incident."

Eye witness reports suggest that there was an altercation between a van driver and a bus driver prior to the incident. The bus then appears to have mounted the pavement.

The driver of the bus, a 42 year old man, has been arrested in connection with the collision and has been bailed to return in June.

Both Transport for London and Metroline, the bus operator have announced that they will be launching an investigation into the incident with the police enquiry taking priority.

Any witnesses should contact the Hampton Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8247 6935 or they should call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

April 27, 2007