Horrid fall for bus passenger

A 76-year-old pensioner spent almost a week in hospital after falling off a Metro bus.

He fell off as the bus pulled away from a bus stop at the corner of Marshall and Robinson Streets in Belgravia on April 4.

Mr Michael Lingwood Senior, a former Jeppe High School for Boys teacher, related his story to the EXPRESS.

“I was on my way to the Rand Stadium Gym near Ellis Park. I had just been tagged into the bus and I checked my ticket as I wanted to check the time. I had hardly taken a seat when the bus pulled off. All I remember were the gasps from other passengers on the bus,” said Mr Lingwood.

He landed on the pavement and had to be rushed to the Bedford Gardens Hospital after his wife and an ambulance were called.

“Because I live on the same street, my wife found me already inside the ambulance,” said Mr Lingwood. He said he always uses the same bus when he goes to the gym three times a week.

“I always take the number 33 bus, which starts in Coronation Street, near Bedford Gardens, and goes through all the way to the other side of town, near West Street,” said Mr Lingwood.

Mr Lingwood sustained injuries to his head and upper body. “I received 12 stitches to my head and broke two ribs. I think the road surface is uneven, many accidents have taken place due to that. I fell backwards; when the bus is stationery it gravitates towards a certain side of the road,” said Mr Lingwood.

He showed the EXPRESS a number of trees on the road, which he said had been knocked down during a number of accidents.

Ms Esther Dreyer, who is the spokesperson for Metro Bus, said they were aware of the incident and viewed it in a serious light. “The depot concerned will investigate he matter and interview witnesses. If it is apparent that the driver was negligent in any way, he will be disciplined in accordance with our internal disciplinary procedures,” said Ms Dreyer.

She said Mr Lingwood will be contacted and informed of the investigation to allow him to make his input. “He will also be referred to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) by our accident officer. When a passenger enters a bus, he pays and receives a ticket, or swipes his smart card or tag. He then proceeds to his seat. The bus driver must close the door of the bus and then drive off,” said Ms Dreyer.

She said all Metro Bus drivers have been trained to take special care when transporting children, the elderly and the disabled. “Drivers have been trained for when such incidents occur. The driver must stop the bus, render the necessary assistance to the passenger and inform our control office. The control office will contact an ambulance, emergency services and also inform the depot superintendent. The superintendent will drive to the scene and take statements. The driver will then submit an accident report when he returns to the depot,” said Ms Dreyer.

She said no such incidents have occurred on any of their routes in recent years.