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Orpington crash: Bus driver killed named as Gravesend man Kenneth Matcham, 60

By: Sean McPolin smcpolin@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 12:07, 04 November 2019

Updated: 21:02, 04 November 2019

The driver of a bus who died after a multi-vehicle crash has been named.

Kenneth Matcham, of Gravesend, was pronounced dead at the scene after two buses and a car collided in Sevenoaks Road, Orpington, on Thursday.

Emergency services at the scene of the crash in Orpington Video: UKNIP

The 60-year-old's family have been informed.

Police were joined by scores of paramedics from the London Ambulance Service as well as 60 firefighters at the crash which happened at around 10.10pm.

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Paramedics treated 15 casualties at the scene, with three people being treated for serious injuries and the remaining having minor injuries.

The driver of the car involved, a 20-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drug driving.

One person has been killed and 15 injured in a crash between two buses and a car in Orpington. Picture: UKNIP (20606420)

He was taken to a London hospital as a precaution before being transferred to a police station where he was subsequently released under investigation.

Arriva staff at the Northfleet garage observed a minute's silence at 11am.

A post on its Facebook said: "In respect to our colleague who sadly lost his life while on duty on Thursday, our driving staff at Northfleet Bus Garage will be observing a minute's silence.

"Buses and staff where safe to do so, will stop and reflect on this tragic accident at 11am on Monday.

"Members of the public are welcome to take the time and observe this minute's silence with us."

The crash scene in Orpington. Picture: UKNIP

An Arriva spokesman added: "Everyone at Arriva was extremely saddened by the news of Kenneth Matcham's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at what is undoubtedly an incredibly difficult time."

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Six fire engines, two fire rescue units and around 60 firefighters attended the crash alongside 10 ambulances, the air ambulance road team, two incident response officers and the ambulance's hazardous area response team.

Assistant Commissioner of London Fire Brigade, Graham Ellis, said: “Firefighters rescued several casualties from the buses and immediately undertook first aid, being joined by colleagues from London Ambulance Service.

"Firefighters also made the vehicles and surrounding area safe."

Officers from the Met’s serious collision investigation Unit are investigating and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash cam, mobile phone or CCTV footage of the collision to urgently get in touch.

One person has been killed and 15 injured in a crash between two buses and a car in Orpington. Picture: UKNIP (20606465)

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room number on 020 8285 1574 or police on 101 quoting CAD 9509/31OCT.

A fundraising page has been set up in memory of Mr Matcham.

It has raised three times its target of £5,000 and is currently sitting at more than £16,000.

Read more: All the lates news from Gravesend

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

To get the latest updates on ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

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