Bus driver “devastated” after fatal Coventry crash

Kailash Chander was driving the double decker bus which crashed in Trinity Street killing seven-year-old rowan Fitzgerald and pensioner, Dora Hancox.

The family of the 77-year-old Stagecoach driver who is also a former mayor of Leamington, described the incident as being beyond imagination.

Rowan Fitzgerald, who went to school in Sydenham was at the top deck of the bus when it veered onto the pavement and struck the city centre supermarket.

Dora Hancox, who was in her 70s and from Nuneaton, was walking in the street when the bus hit. Both died of their injuries.

A statement issued by unnamed relatives of Mr Chander read: “We want to express our deepest and most sincere condolences to those involved, particularly the families who have lost their loved ones.

“Being a grandfather himself, he is devastated to the core by what has happened. We feel deeply for everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.

“He is a very quiet man, and a caring and devoted person. He has strong ties with the local community and has spent most of his life helping and thinking of others.

“This is just beyond anyone’s imagination.

“We would only ask that the privacy of the families is respected at this tragic time and the police are given space to complete their investigation.”

Rowan, who attended St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School was travelling back to Leamington with his grandparents and eight-year-old cousin when the collision happened. She was rushed to hospital with severe injuries following the crash but is now in a stable condition in Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

A book of condolence has opened at Sainsbury’s in Trinity Street which is being signed by shoppers, well wishers and friends.

Rowan’s head teacher Jane McSharry has described the boy as “the most beautiful little soul” along with hundreds of tributes which have flooded in for the boy.

She described Rowan as a “perfect, kind, unassuming, gorgeous little boy” who loved football.