Six people had to be rushed to hospital yesterday after a dump truck rear-ended a bus travelling along North Shore Road in Pembroke.

The collision occurred at 1.40 p.m. at a bus stop located immediately before the Empire Grocery.

Five passengers and the bus driver, Sherlette Simons, had to be taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment.

None of the injuries were life-threatening however, with the majority of those hurt sustaining neck and back injuries, according to Police.

Four of those hurt in the crash were visitors to the Island from the United States including one couple from the Zenith cruise ship.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said the large, dump truck had been travelling over the hill when its brakes failed and the vehicle slammed into the back of a Route 11 bus travelling between St. George's and Hamilton.

The bus was in the process of pulling out of the lay-by to continue along its route.

Both PTB officials and Police investigators responded to the crash.

PTB traffic supervisor John Foggo told The Royal Gazette, the dump truck was to be towed to Police headquarters yesterday in order to test the brakes on the vehicle.

A large amount of antifreeze also leaked from the back of the bus onto North Shore Road as a result of the collision but work crews cleaned the spill by laying gravel shortly after the accident.

"A full investigation into the incident has been launched," Mr. Caines said.