Minutes silence called for after crash

Trade union Unite has called for a minute’s silence following a bus crash in Orpington, which left one person dead and 15 others injured on the evening of 31 October.

The silence is to be held at 11am on Monday 4 November. It is in remembrance of bus driver Kenneth Matcham, who lost his life in the accident. The other bus driver is understood to have sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The silence is to be held across the London bus network and Unite is seeking to ensure that buses in the capital are stationary at this time.

The collision involved two single-decker buses and one car in Sevenoaks Road, Orpington. London Fire Brigade was called at 10.12pm. Six fire engines, two fire rescue units and around 60 firefighters attended the scene, which were joined by the London Ambulance Service. Three of the casualties are being treated for serious injuries, and the remaining have minor injuries.

The driver of the car, a 24-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drug driving. He was taken to a south London hospital as a precaution before being taken to a south London police station where he remains in custody.

Police detectives are appealing for witnesses and footage following the accident.

Unite regional officer with responsibility for London buses, John Murphy said: “This was a dreadful tragedy and our thoughts are with Mr Matcham’s family at this terrible time.

“Unite requests that Londoners join with bus drivers across the capital in observing the minute’s silence in memory of Mr Matcham.

“Unite will be working with Mr Matcham’s employer and Transport for London to ensure that his family receive all the assistance and support they need immediately and in the future.”

• Witnesses or anyone with dash cam, mobile phone or CCTV footage of the collision are requested to urgently get in touch with the Police on 020 8285 1574 or on 101 quoting CAD 9509/31OCT.