Hit by a bus, but that couldn’t keep Brit drinker out of the pub
CCTV footage from outside an English pub shows the moment a man was struck from behind by an out-of-control bus but was able to get up and walk into the bar.
Simon Smith, 53, was walking along Gun Street in Reading in Berkshire, southern England, on Saturday morning when the bus mounted the pavement before hitting him and throwing him along the sidewalk, narrowly missing a light pole.
Some debris hits him after he comes to a stop, before he stands up and heads straight into the Purple Turtle bar.
The footage shows him glancing back just before being struck by the bus.
Despite the bus’s windscreen being shattered by the impact, Mr Smith reported having received only minor injuries.
Purple Turtle bar manager Stuart McNaught told The Daily Telegraph Mr Smith only had bruises from the accident, but was later transferred to hospital.
“We’ve known Simon for about 20 years,” Mr McNaught said.
“He went to hospital, the paramedics who called the ambulance took him.
“He’s bruised and shocked I think. It’s absolutely crazy.”
Mr Smith later told BBC South he was “lucky to be alive”.
Thames Valley police said the road had been closed for about two hours and they were still investigating, but no arrests had been made.
WE ARE OPEN! The bus didn't hit the Purple Turtle. Just in case you weren't sure!
— Purple Turtle (@PurpleTurtleRdg) June 27, 2017
Reading Buses said it was investigating the “awful incident” and the driver had been taken off the road pending the investigation.
“We are obviously shocked by the incident as well as the very graphic footage,” a spokesman said.
“We send our regrets to those affected, especially the pedestrian injured in the street and hope that he is recovering from his injuries.”
The spokesman said there were no major injuries to passengers on the bus, and on-board CCTV footage is being shared with police.
The Purple Turtle tweeted reassurance the establishment had not been damaged and was open.