AN accident investigator said a bus driver was not to blame after one of his passengers died following a fall on his service.

An inquest heard pensioner Abdul Mannan, of Cronkshaw Street, Burnley, was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital after getting off a bus in Colne Road on Saturday, February 6, at 1.06pm.

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East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor was told witnesses had helped the 78-year-old up on to his feet after he initially fell just as the bus pulled away on St James’ Street at 12.54pm.

The inquest heard Mr Mannan was described as in pain by the witnesses who had found him collapsed on the pavement. He died at the hospital two days later at 9.05pm.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Taylor said Mr Mannan died from a heart condition and suffered a fractured right leg.

Accident investigator PC Philip Walker, who had reviewed CCTV footage of Mr Mannan’s fall, said he believed the bus driver had acted correctly.

PC Walker said: “The driver could be seen looking in his middle mirror as the man was sitting down and then looked in his nearside mirror to begin the pulling-away procedure.

“The bus had travelled a matter of metres before the bus was stopped. A passenger then went over to assist the man as did the driver once the bus had stopped and it was safe to leave the cabin. The CCTV showed the man was helped off the bus by passengers.”

Mr Mannan was represented by five members of his family at the hearing.

Mr Taylor said: “Mr Mannan was an independent man who enjoyed trips to the town centre, and was probably on the same bus he normally gets.

“He was sitting in a seat which he had chosen, possibly because it was the closest seat to the exit.

“We heard from the evidence that his health was not good, but he was born in 1937.

“I conclude that Abdul Mannan’s death was of accidental circumstances.

“I do depart my condolences to the family.”