News

Joint statement from Tower Hamlets Council and Apasenth

Support and counselling is being offered to the families and relatives affected by the minibus crash which killed one young Tower Hamlets man and seriously injured three women on Thursday afternoon (8 June). The police have launched an investigation into the crash.

The minibus crash which occurred on the return from a daytrip to Brighton, had been organised by Apasenth (Asian Parents Association for Special Educational Needs in Tower Hamlets), a local community group. Staff from the organisation were also amongst those injured. The party of 16 included 13 service users and three staff.

The group had set off from Tower Hamlets in the morning but as they drove back on the A23 at Pyecombe, West Sussex, the mini bus crashed and turned on its side. A fleet of ambulances were quickly on the scene. The most critically injured , Shiraj Ali, 32, of Temple St, Bethnal Green was taken by helicopter to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill. The ambulance service was on the scene at 3.44pm and they declared it a major incident at 3.57pm

Shiraj Ali

As the news of the accident reached staff at the Apasenth, which provides day care for the group of special needs service users, they began informing and advising the families.

Tower Hamlets Council’s Social Services were contacted and transport and staff to accompany the families to the hospitals was arranged.

Police arranged for the family of the most critically injured man to be taken to the East Surrey Hospital where sadly, Shiraj Ali later died.

In a joint statement the Leader of Tower Hamlets Council and Mahmud Hassan, Director of Apasenth, said:

“Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected by this tragedy. We are doing all that we can to ensure that they are supported through this time. We are providing advice, help and support and we have telephoned or met with everyone affected. Local councillors have visited families and communities. We are working with the police investigation and hope that the cause of the accident is quickly identified. Our staff are deeply saddened and shocked by the accident and support and counselling has been offered to them. “

Notes to Editors

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the crash to contact them on 0845 60 70 999

The coach was a 16 seater Mercedes Sprinter 413 mini bus equipped with anti-lock brake safety systems and full lap and diagonal seat belts.

The bus was bought by Tower Hamlets community Transport in December 2005 and MOT'd on May 8 this year.

The driver has had a driving licence for 19 years. He was MIDAS trained, a nationally recognised minibus training programme operated by the National Community Transport Association. Drivers undergo refresher training every four years and the driver was due to take the course next April.

One young woman was being operated on Friday, and two other injured passengers were discharged today.

Five other passengers who had been admitted with minor injuries were all released on Thursday evening.

Ends

Copyright 2005. Apasenth. All Rights Reserved.