Stolen ambulance driver dies after crashing into double-decker bus and injuring six others

Man is not believed to be a paramedic or a member of the emergency services

(Bethany Clarke/Getty Images)

A stolen ambulance collided with a car and double-decker bus last night, killing the driver of the emergency vehicle and injuring six people.

The ambulance’s driver, who police believe was not a paramedic or a member of emergency staff, was pronounced dead at the scene on the A64, near the Flaxton junction, east of York.

The bus driver of the Yorkshire Coastliner double-decker, carrying 16 passengers at the time of the collision at around 8.30pm last night, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Five passengers, travelling between York and Leeds, were also taken to hospital although their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Following the collision, Yorkshire Coastliner posted on Twitter last night: “Our thoughts go out to everyone involved, including our driver and his family.”

Another individual, driving a Toyoto Yaris with one passenger, was also taken to hospital as a precaution.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Ambulance Service confirmed to The Independent that the ambulance was private and does not belong to them.

The A64 has now reopened.

North Yorkshire police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or either of the vehicles involved prior to the collision, to contact the police. Dial 101, press option 1 and pass information to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference number 556 of 10 April.