THE driver of a double-decker bus took a detour from a planned diversion before crashing into a bridge, ripping off the roof, their employer has said.

It comes after police revealed the roof of the bus was smashed off after the driver “misjudged” the bridge in Rocky Lane between Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.

There were five passengers onboard the Metrobus when the roof was torn off this morning.

The driver and a female passenger suffered injuries in the crash. She was taken to hospital for treatment for a head injury.

Bus crashes into bridge in Rocky Lane

Bus crashes into bridge in Rocky Lane

Brighton and Hove Bus Company has now launched an investigation.

The company said the bus was not travelling on a normal service route when it crashed into the bridge.

Managing director Martin Harris said the diversion was part of a 12-week roadworks programme starting on April 6 and had been “thoroughly risk assessed as safe beforehand”. 

However, Mr Harris said: "The vehicle took a detour from the diversion route.

“We immediately initiated an internal investigation and we will be taking every possible action to ensure this doesn't happen again."

Pictures show the bus being towed back to the depot after the crash at 6.42am.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service said: "A woman was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital with a head injury.

"The driver of the bus was also assessed and treated but was discharged from our care at the scene."

This morning, Sussex Police said: "The driver and one of the passengers on board suffered injuries and are being treated by medical staff.

"The road is closed in both directions and Network Rail have been made aware."