Picture Ref: 78689-40A VAN driver ploughed into a bus shelter when he could not see where he was going.

The Rentokil Initial van destroyed the bus stop on Victoria Road, outside the Regent Hotel at around 2.45pm yesterday.

Police say a passer-by who was showered with broken glass was lucky not to be seriously injured.

Acting Sgt Dave Lockwood of Swindon traffic police said: "The towels in the back of the van fell on his head going round the bend. He was driving along with a towel on his head he couldn't see and he lost control.

"He will be dealt with for having an insecure load and his insurance will have to pay for the bus shelter.

"It brings home the dangers of having unsecured objects in vehicles.

"The pedestrian was very lucky. Had he been a little bit further back he would have had the canopy on top of his head."

An ambulance was called and the injured man was treated for cuts to his elbow and leg and shock. The pavement and part of the road were covered in glass and police had to control traffic while the debris was cleared up.

Louise Austin, who runs Austin Leisure, by the bus shelter, thought something was coming through the window.

"We heard a massive bang," she said. "My mum shouted. We spoke to the driver and he was really shaken up. It's lucky no one was really hurt."