Young boy seriously injured after double-decker bus hits house in Shaldon

A five-year-old boy from Torquay was seriously injured when a Stagecoach double-decker bus collided with a house on Torquay Road in Shaldon. The child, who was travelling as a passenger, was taken to Bristol Children’s Hospital for treatment.

Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the scene in the early evening. Fourteen other passengers on the bus were assessed by ambulance crews at the roadside and did not require hospital admission. The road was closed in both directions for several hours while officers carried out a forensic examination and the vehicle was recovered.

A man in his sixties from the Torbay area was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving. He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Stagecoach confirmed that one of its vehicles was involved and said it is assisting the police investigation. The company expressed its concern for the injured boy and his family.

Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision or who holds dash-cam or mobile phone footage to come forward. Roads policing officers remain focused on establishing the full circumstances of the incident, including vehicle data and statements from those present at the scene.

Shaldon sits on the south bank of the Teign estuary, linked to Teignmouth by the ferry and the A379 bridge. Torquay Road forms part of the main route through the village. It carries both local traffic and vehicles travelling between the coast and inland destinations. The presence of houses close to the carriageway means that any collision involving a large vehicle can affect residential properties and disrupt movement for residents and visitors alike.

The investigation remains open. Officers are examining the scene evidence and all available accounts. No further details about the boy’s condition have been released beyond the confirmation of serious injuries. Local residents and road users have been asked to remain patient while the formal process continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police. The force continues to seek any additional footage or eyewitness reports that may assist the enquiry.