A bus driver was taken to hospital after being involved in a smash in Rayleigh today.

The driver was not seriously injured but needed a check-up at Southend Hospital after the vehicle, which was not carrying any passengers, is believed to have collided with a telegraph pole in Station Road. Police were called to the incident at 9.18am.

The accident took place opposite the site where a double decker crashed into the station cafe three years ago.

The wooden cafe was completely destroyed as a result of the crash.

An eyewitness said: "It is an amazing coincidence. I saw the other accident, which was very similar, when a bus struck the cafe."

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