The A23 was temporarily blocked after a collision involving a police car and a Metrobus. It happened in the early hours of Sunday (February 22).
Sussex Police confirmed that the bus driver was badly hurt and required hospital treatment.
The full statement read: “Emergency services responded to a report that a double decker bus had hit a parked police car on the approach road to Gatwick Airport south terminal, at 4.50am on Sunday.
“The driver of the bus sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital. There were no passengers on the bus and no police officers in the parked police vehicle.
“The northbound road between the Gatwick Road roundabout and the Longbridge roundabout by the airport was closed for vehicle recovery and investigation. This has since re-opened.”
The police car and bus were left facing in different directions – just yards from each other – with debris visible on the road. Scroll down to see photos from the scene.
Metrobus’ operations director, Gordon Frost, said: “On February 22, an out of service Metrobus vehicle that was on its way to Gatwick South was involved in an incident with a police car in a bus lane.
"We are still in the process of investigating the incident, but can confirm there were no passengers on board and nobody in or around the police car.”
1. A23 incident
Photos have emerged from the scene of a serious incident, involving a double decker bus and a parked police car, near Gatwick Airport. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
2. A23 incident
Photos have emerged from the scene of a serious incident, involving a double decker bus and a parked police car, near Gatwick Airport. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
3. A23 incident
Photos have emerged from the scene of a serious incident, involving a double decker bus and a parked police car, near Gatwick Airport. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
4. A23 incident
Photos have emerged from the scene of a serious incident, involving a double decker bus and a parked police car, near Gatwick Airport. Photo: Eddie Mitchell