A MAN suffered serious spinal injuries after he stumbled down a grass verge and smashed into a stationary rail replacement bus.

The 53-year-old is currently receiving specialist hospital treatment following the incident in Station Road, Westcliff, outside the train station.

The bus, belonging to Ensign Bus Company, had stopped outside the station shortly after 5pm on Sunday to pick up passengers and take them to Basildon.

It is understood the man lost his balance when climbing down the steep verge.

A spokesman for c2c, which manages the station, said: "A pedestrian stumbled down the grass bank outside Westcliff station, lost their balance and collided heavily with a stationary bus. We called an ambulance.

“The bus he collided with was a rail-replacement service heading towards Basildon, and was stopped to pick up passengers at the time. Our understanding is that he was a passing pedestrian, rather than a passenger who was running for the bus itself.”

He added that no other accidents have been reported at the site over the past decade.

The rail firm, part of National Express, has launched an investigation.

The man was taken to Southend Hospital before being transferred to Queen's Hospital, in Romford, where he remains.

According to the ambulance service, his injuries were initially believed to be minor.

A rapid response vehicle, ambulance crew, community first responder and ambulance officer were sent to the scene.

Paul Dickson, customer services manager for Ensign Bus Company, said: “We want to make it clear that the bus was stationary at the time.

“He ploughed into the bus. He just went flying, it was just bizarre.

“Our thoughts are with the gentleman and his family and we hope he makes a full recovery.”

Rail replacement buses were in place between Shoebury and Basildon because of improvement works being carried out by Network Rail.

Anyone with information can contact PC Jason Mowbrey at the South Roads Policing Unit on Essex Police 101, extension 481128.