Hero Edinburgh tourist rushed to help man 'crushed under bus'

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A tourist has told of the moment he sprang into action to help a man who had been struck by a bus in Edinburgh's city centre.

Emergency services, including Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and paramedics, rushed to George Street around 1.50pm on December 8, following a collision involving a male pedestrian and a double-decker bus.

Collin Cunningham, 31, from Florida, was visiting the city with his wife, Jessie Cunningham, to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Collin recounted being one of several bystanders who attempted to "push the bus" off the injured man.

“The man was crushed under the bus,” Collin said, explaining how he and his wife became aware of the incident after hearing multiple people screaming.

Speaking to Edinburgh Live, he said: “We were walking down the street, which was really busy. About 10 seconds after we passed the crosswalk, we heard a crash and screaming. Everyone turned around immediately.

“There were about 25 people nearby, and we all moved toward the bus because it was clear something had happened. A lot of people were shouting.”

Despite limited emergency training, Collin, who is CPR-certified in the US felt compelled to help. “I assumed there’d be someone more qualified, but I wanted to assist in any way I could.”

As he approached the scene, Collin saw the man trapped beneath the bus. “The bus door had been smashed against a fence, and there wasn’t much anyone could do immediately,” he said.

Collin was among a group of bystanders who tried to move t he bus. “One of the bus passengers came out and started shouting for help, asking for the strongest people to push the bus. About 15 of us tried, but it wasn’t budging.”

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Collin noted the efforts of others at the scene, including a nurse who took charge. “There was one man in particular rallying people to help move the bus—he had the most influence. After some time, my wife and I stepped back as we felt we weren’t able to contribute further.”

Photos taken after the incident show the Lothian double-decker bus being towed away by emergency services, with flattened railings nearby.

The road was closed to allow for investigations and reopened around 9 pm.There were no reports of additional injuries. Collin added, “The man seemed seriously injured, and I just hope he’s okay now.”

Sergeant Jamie Humpage said: “Our enquires are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn’t already spoken to officers to get in touch.

“I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have dash cam or private CCTV which could assist to contact us.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1703 of Sunday, 8 December, 2024.

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