90-year-old woman dies from head injury after bus driver is forced to slam on brakes

A 90-year-old woman has died after suffering a head injury when a bus was forced to brake suddenly.

The female passenger has been named as Margaret Coates from the Thatto Heath area of St Helens.

Her family have today (February 24) expressed their thanks to the people who came to Mrs Coates’ assistance on the bus and also the staff at Whiston Hospital for the “kind and sensitive” way in which they cared for her.

The incident happened on a bus in St Helens at around 1.10pm on Saturday February 22.

Police say a white van is believed to have suddenly stopped in front of the 89 Arriva bus on Borough Road, causing the bus driver to slam on the brakes suddenly.

The van driver did not stop at the scene, but has now been traced, according to officers.

The woman sustained a head injury and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the van has been traced, police say. Credit: Liverpool Echo.

The driver of the van has now been traced.

In a statement a spokesperson said: "The female passenger has sadly passed away. Her next-of-kin have been informed. The driver of the van has now been traced and enquiries are ongoing.

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