Lucky escape for bus passengers after window shattered on moving vehicle

Commuters were left shaken after the incident on board the Stagecoach vehicle travelling into the town on Wednesday evening.

People on the service told the News how the large glass panel 'shattered into tiny pieces' after the bus's wing mirror struck overhanging branches.

The impact destroyed the main entrance door window panel on the vehicle.

It happened on the last bend on the A78 coming into the north of Largs from Skelmorlie at around 5.15pm - with all on board escaping unhurt.

The Stagecoach 585 bus service had left Greenock at 4.55pm and was heading onwards to Irvine when the accident occurred.

There were a number of passengers on the bus when the incident occurred, including cruise liner magician Scotty McLean and his friend Patrick Murphy.

The pair had been buying their shopping at Wemyss Bay butchers McCaskies and were returning home.

Patrick, pictured, said: "It was one heck of a noise, I got quite a shock.

"We didn't know what had happened at first but the driver stopped the bus at the next available stop and managed to clear away all the debris."

Scotty added: "Nobody seemed too sure what was going on but thankfully nobody was near the door at the time. The driver was very calm and dealt with the situation well."

After clearing the glass, the driver proceeded to drop passengers off in Largs town centre before returning the damaged coach to base at the Ardrossan Stagecoach depot.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach West Scotland said: "We are aware of damage to one of our buses caused by an overhanging branch on our 585 service.

"We liaise with all of our local councils with regard to all road issues, including branches which may impede large vehicles. Such incidents are rare and our primary concern is always the safety of our staff, passengers and other road users.

"No persons were injured in this minor incident.

"We have submitted the relevant reports in line with our internal processes."