SHOCKING photos show the damage to a Stagecoach bus after a crash on a major Hampshire road. 

The A31 Alresford Road was closed this morning (July 17) on the westbound side between Rodfield Lane and the Percy Hobbs roundabout.

Five people were hurt with one person taken to hospital by ambulance in Basingstoke. Four others were treated at the scene.

Eyewitness Kristina Fearnley, of Alresford Road, said: “There was, this morning, a terrible traffic accident which temporarily closed access towards Winchester and involved a Stagecoach bus.

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“This is just one of many horrifying accidents that have occurred on this stretch of road. 

Fire engine on the A31, July 17 (Image: Kristina Fearnley)

“I am thankful to hear that there were no fatalities this morning. But it is only a matter of time before there is.”

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: "Police were called at 8.25am this morning to reports of a collision on Alresford Road. The collision involved a bus, a van and a car."

A Hampshire Fire Service spokesman said: "Winchester firefighters were called at 8:50 this morning to respond to a two-vehicle collision on Alresford Road in Ovingston.

"Fortunately, no one was trapped inside the vehicles. Firefighters worked alongside police officers to secure the scene.

"The crew returned to the station shortly before 10am."

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service said: "We received a 999 call at 8.25 this morning with the caller reporting a collision between a van and a bus on the A31, Alresford Road, at Ovington. We sent the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance emergency response car, a rapid response vehicle, the Hazardous Area Response Team and an ambulance to the incident. There were five patients in total – four had sustained minor injuries and one more serious (but not critical or life-threatening) injuries. The more seriously injured patient was taken to North Hampshire Hospital in Basingstoke for further treatment and the four other patients were treated and discharged at the scene."

A spokesperson for Stagecoach South said: "We can confirm that a van collided with one of our buses, which was traveling normally on the morning of Wednesday, July 17 at around 8am on Alresford Road. Our first thoughts are for the welfare of the passenger onboard at the time who was taken to hospital.

"Safety is our absolute priority and we will carry out a full investigation into the circumstances as well as assisting police with their inquiries."