Three people were injured after a double-decker bus crashed near St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London, causing disruption and delays in the busy financial district.
The incident took place at around 2.25pm on Monday (March 24, 2025), prompting a swift response from the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and City of London Police.
Bus collides with flower bed on Cheapside
Footage shared online shows the No 25 Stagecoach bus crushed against a flower bed outside a Co-op supermarket on Cheapside, a major thoroughfare in the Square Mile.
The crash led to significant traffic disruption, with police closing roads for over an hour to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
One person sustained injuries serious enough to require hospital treatment, while two others were treated at the scene and discharged.
Police and ambulance service respond swiftly
Chief Inspector James Minney, from City of London Police, confirmed that officers arrived at the scene immediately following the collision.
“City of London Police officers were at the scene of a road traffic collision on March 24, 2025, at around 2.26pm on Cheapside.
“Three people were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service; one person was taken to hospital.
“The road heading northbound reopened at 3:30pm.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) detailed their rapid response, revealing that multiple emergency units were deployed within minutes of the crash.
“We were called at 2.24pm today (March 24) to reports of a road traffic collision on Cheapside.
“We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an incident response officer, a cycle paramedic, and a paramedic in a fast response car.
“Our first paramedics arrived in approximately four minutes.
“We treated three people.
“We took one patient to hospital and discharged the other two at the scene.”
Traffic disruption in the heart of London
The collision caused major disruption in the busy City of London area, which is home to banks, offices, shops, and tourist attractions.
With Cheapside temporarily closed, commuters and pedestrians were diverted away from the scene, while bus routes and traffic were affected until police allowed the road to reopen at 3:30pm.
Investigation underway
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash, and an investigation is now underway to determine whether driver error, mechanical failure, or external factors played a role.
Concerns over bus safety in London
This latest incident has reignited concerns about bus safety in London, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas. The No 25 Stagecoach service, which runs from Ilford to Oxford Circus, is one of the busiest routes in the capital.
While London’s buses are considered one of the safest transport options, accidents involving double-deckers continue to raise questions about road safety measures, especially in high-density pedestrian zones.
More Read
Local authorities are expected to review CCTV footage and witness statements to assess whether further action or new safety measures are necessary.
Public reactions
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as emergency services rushed to assist those injured.
A local shopkeeper, who was near the crash site, said:
“It all happened so fast. There was a loud bang, and people turned around to see the bus had gone into the flower bed. Police and ambulances arrived really quickly, and they cleared the area fast.”
Another commuter, who was passing through Cheapside, said:
“It was shocking to see. You don’t expect to see a bus like that, so close to the pavement. Thankfully, it didn’t hit any pedestrians directly.”
Next steps
City of London Police have urged anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
While the injuries sustained were not life-threatening, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of city traffic, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and office workers.
