Double decker bus roof ripped off after crashing into railway bridge in South Norwood

A bus roof was peeled off like a tin of tuna after it crashed into a railway bridge in south London.

The bus hit the bridge on the A215 Portland Road this afternoon after the driver misjudged the height of the railway bridge.

The crash forced the busy road to close near the high street and the Norwood Junction station ahead of the school run.

The vehicle was operating as part of a learner driver’s lesson, it is understood, suggesting that it was mostly empty when the crash happened.

Footage shows how the bottom half of the bus managed to slip under the bridge, while the roof was peeled back, leaving the structure hanging at the back near other cars tailing the bus.

Comedian Elliot Steel posted a clip of the unlucky bus, asking ‘reckon he’ll get the job?’

Another person quipped on X: ‘You can’t park there sir.’

London Overground, Southern and Thameslink services ground to a halt after the incident, with lines closed momentarily until the railway lines reopened.

However, trains between London Victoria, Croydon, Surrey and Islington could be delayed by up to 15 minutes as service recovers.

The crash was reported at about 12.30pm and the stretch of the road between Manor Road and the A213 High Street remains closed.

Bus routes 130 and 197 have been diverted.

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