THE front of a rail replacement bus service was destroyed after it hit a tree.

The crash happened at about 8.40 this morning south of Balcombe station.”

A passenger, who did not wish to be named, said: “Our replacement bus just hit a tree.

“The bus is ruined, the passengers are in shock and there’s glass everywhere.

“An ambulance is on way.”

A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service said: "There was a call at around 8.45 this morning.

"We responded to reports that a bus had hit a tree in London Road in Balcombe.

"One ambulance and one ambulance car attended the scene.

"There was one person with a knee injury and another with a facial injury.

"They both received treatment on the scene and then were taken to East Surrey Hospital."

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) are responsible for the buses.

A spokesman said: "I can confirm that a rail replacement bus hit a tree south of Balcombe station this morning.

"It was travelling along the same route that has been used since the works began on Saturday.

"The emergency services have attended.

"There were up to 10 people on board.

"We have had senior management on site to help and assist those who were on board and we sent another bus to help passengers continue their journey."