Driver Charged Over Fatal Darlington Bus Crash

24 November 2016, 15:41 | Updated: 24 November 2016, 15:44

A bus driver has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a vehicle smashed into a high street bank in Darlington killing an 82-year-old woman.

Eileen Brennan died after the Arriva bus crashed into the front of a branch of the Halifax, trapping her underneath.

The collision in Northgate brought the middle of the bustling market town to a standstill, with screens erected to hide the recovery operation.

Two other pedestrians were injured, a man with minor injuries and a woman with serious injuries.

Durham Police said bus driver Michael Gilbert, 52, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was bailed and will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court next month.

A force spokesman said: 
``The driver of the bus, a 52-year-old man from Middleton-St-George, Darlington, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving."

``After being interviewed he was released on police bail pending further investigation."

``This morning, at Darlington police station, the driver was formally charged with the following offences - causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.''