A bus driver has been left with potentially serious injuries following a collision between a double-decker and a van in Birmingham on Monday evening.
Emergency Response at Heybarnes Circus
The incident occurred at approximately 6pm on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Heybarnes Circus roundabout. This is the junction where Small Heath Highway meets Coventry Road, close to the Asda supermarket in the Small Heath area.
The National Express West Midlands service was carrying an estimated 30 passengers at the time of the crash. West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed it received multiple 999 calls reporting the collision, prompting a significant emergency response.
Injuries and Hospital Admissions
Paramedics provided immediate trauma care to the male bus driver at the scene for what were described as potentially serious injuries. He was subsequently conveyed to Heartlands Hospital for further specialist treatment.
Two passengers from the bus, a man and a woman, were also assessed by ambulance crews. Although their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, they were both taken to the same hospital for precautionary checks.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: “Thankfully, the remaining passengers and van occupants were uninjured.” The response involved two ambulances and two paramedic officers.
Road Closure and Ongoing Investigation
The crash caused significant disruption during the evening rush hour. The busy Small Heath Highway was closed for a period to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and for initial investigation work to be carried out.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of the collision. The closure likely added to traffic congestion in the area, a key route in and out of central Birmingham.
This serious incident highlights the potential dangers on complex road junctions and will raise questions about road safety at the Heybarnes Circus roundabout. The condition of the bus driver remains a primary concern for the local community and the bus operator.
