CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A RUNAWAY minibus carrying nine elderly passengers hurtled down a hill and across two lanes of traffic before crashing into a wall.

The passengers, all aged between 79 and 91, were on their way to the Thursday Luncheon Club at Rotary Hall, Chippenham, at 12.20pm when the brakes failed.

The bus careered down Lowden Hill and across Bath Road before smashing into a garden wall.

Three passengers were rushed to the Royal United Hospital, Bath, to be treated for a broken nose, fractured leg and a ruptured varicose vein.

Six more pensioners were treated for minor injuries including cuts, bruises and mild concussion. The 60-year-old driver was unhurt.

Audrey Scotford, president of the Thursday Luncheon Club, said: "It was quite a shock for everyone. But they are all bearing up right now."

The crash caused police to close Bath Road for two hours while they cleared the wreckage and ambulance crews took the passengers to hospital.

The minibus run by the Chippenham District Transport for the Disabled Society only passed its MOT seven weeks ago.

Chairman Maureen Lloyd said: "It's remarkable it wasn't worse.

"Sadly, the minibus hit the wall sufficiently hard so there were injuries.

"If the driver had turned left as intended it would have been carnage at the Bridge Centre traffic lights and involved more vehicles. But he very skillfully manoeuvred the minibus.

"He has an unblemished driving record and has driven elderly people for a very long time.

"He got back behind the wheel and took passengers back from our other club in the afternoon.

"It's amazing what could have happened. It has been quite a trauma for everyone."

Eight of the passengers were released from hospital at the weekend but one male pensioner is waiting for an operation on a fractured thighbone.

Police believe mechanical failure was at fault for

causing the crash.

The minibus is being repaired in Swindon but the Chippenham District Transport for the Disabled Society fear the future may not be bright.

Mrs Lloyd said: "If it is written off we are going to struggle financially. Some days both minibuses are on the road at the same time. We are going to have to start fundraising."

The Thursday Luncheon Club said it would continue to hold events for elderly people in Chippenham despite the setback.