A RACE meeting nearly turned to tragedy when a double-decker bus ploughed into a low bridge at the weekend.

Seven people were hurt when the vehicle jammed under the bridge, near the County Stand at York Racecourse.

All the injured were ferried directly to York District Hospital, suffering from cuts, bruises and shock. They were all later discharged.

The accident happened shortly before noon on Saturday, as crowds were beginning to gather for the annual Timeform charity meeting.

All those on board the bus are understood to have been catering staff employed for the meeting, which went ahead as planned.

Sergeant Mike Crome, of York traffic police, said: "We don't know why a double-decker bus has tried to get under this bridge, but that is a question we will be asking the driver."

Experts from the Vehicle Inspectorate have since examined the bus. Their findings will be incorporated into the police report.

The marketing manager of York Racecourse, James Brennan, said: "It is unfortunate and we are concerned for the people involved, but it was not a major incident in terms of injuries."