2008 Studland Accident
On 31 July 2008 near Studland a W&D open-top bus collided with two cars between Studland and the local chain ferry, injuring 30 people. The bus, a route 50 service travelling from Swanage to Bournemouth, was carrying around 30 people (15 on the upper deck) near the chain ferry at Poole Harbour entrance. At 10.15am the Plaxton Palatine II bodied DAF DB250 bus collided with both a Volkswagen Golf and a Porsche, the latter of which was driving away from the chain ferry on Ferry Road and crashed head on with the bus, and the other car. A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue service said at the scene that the bus "fell onto a verge" following the collision with the Porsche. A number of passengers reported the bus travelled a distance on two wheels, and the eventual toppling took place at low speed. The top-deck passengers were all thrown off onto soft ground in a ditch, including a two-month-old baby. Six people were taken to Poole Hospital, including the baby and a 61-year-old woman. Four occupants of the Volkswagen were also injured. None of the injuries were thought to be serious, the worst being a broken arm. The 43-year old driver of the Porsche, Douglas Haigh, was arrested on the scene, accused of dangerous driving. He was later convicted of driving without due care and attention. The bus N14 WAL was sent for repairs at Eastleigh and entered service with Southern Vectis the following year. The fleet number was changed for 3153 to 614 and the bus was painted into Southern Vectis "Island Breezer" livery.
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