Brian CHAPMAN · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 14 July 2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of Brian William CHAPMAN aged 76. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 19 April 2023. The conclusion of the inquest was that:

Medical cause of death – 1a Multiple traumatic injuries;
Conclusion – Road Traffic Collision

Mr Chapman was a passenger seated on the upper deck of a bus travelling eastbound on the A47 at Wisbech St Mary on 26.06.18. At approximately 0728hrs the bus driver did not react to the presence of an articulated lorry which was undertaking a right hand turn from a haulage depot on the nearside of the carriageway onto the westbound carriageway of the A47. The bus collided at sped with the lorry trailer which was sat across the eastbound carriageway. Extensive damage was caused to both vehicles and sadly Mr Chapman suffered significant and unsurvivable traumatic injuries. His death was confirmed at the scene by a paramedic at 0826hrs.

One of the two vehicles involved in the collision was a double decker service bus travelling a scheduled route between Peterborough and Norwich, a distance of approximately 80 miles. The bus was not fitted with passenger seatbelts. I heard evidence that although since 01.01.01 seatbelts are required to be fitted in all new buses(this vehicle was on a ‘63’ plate’) there is an exemption where such vehicles are designed for urban use standing passengers.

Whilst this particular route required the bus to travel from/to and stop off in 5-6 urban centres the majority of the journey took place on a major A route through rural areas. The speed of the bus at the point of collision was approximately 53mph. Both the bus driver and an upper deck passenger were killed in the collision.

Whilst there was no evidence that either death would have been prevented by the wearing of seatbelts a number of other passengers were injured in the collision.

I am concerned where buses are undertaking journeys such as this through predominantly rural locations and subject to the national speed limit without seatbelts being required there is an obvious risk of death to passengers if collisions occur, particularly at high speed.