Woolwich Gazette, Friday 28 June 1895.

Fatal 'bus Accident.

An inquest was held on Monday afternoon by Mr. E. A. Carttar, coroner, at the Lewisham Union Infirmary with reference to the death of Andrew Johnson, aged 50 years.

Charles Henry Plumbridge, landlord of the "Foresters Arms," Beckenham, stated that he had known the deceased since last Whit Monday, when he was in good health and active.

George Bartlett, of 23, Priory Cottages, Sangley Lane, Oatford, driver of the Catford and Beckenham 'bus, said on Sunday week the deceased got onto the roof of his 'bus by the ladder, by the side of the wheel, at Beckenham. At Forest Hill Baths the deceased asked witness to stop the 'bus, which he did. Deceased paid his fare, and when on the last step of the ladder, witness told him to be careful how we got down. Deceased then suddenly left hold of the ladder, fell, and caught his back across the kerb stone. Assistants arrived and deceased was stood up against the wall, and was subsequently taken to Lewisham Infirmary. The 'bus never moved whilst the deceased was getting down. Deceased appeared quite sober.

Further evidence was given by Alfred Gosling, of 123, Victoria Road, Penge, who said that deceased told him he had come from Birmingham, and inquired whether he could get to London from Catford. Witness corroborated the driver's evidence, and said deceased groaned as he lay on the road. The bottom step of the ladder was about 4 feet from the ground.

Daniel Edrigge, tailor, 105, Brightfield Road, Lee, another passenger, also gave corroborative evidence, and said deceased had a drink at the "Royal Hotel," Beckenham.

John Williams, of 7, Clyde Terrace, Forest Hill, said deceased had had a little drink, but was not drunk.

P.C. 439P deposed to moving the deceased on the police ambulance from Dartmouth Rd, Forest Hill, to the Lewisham Infirmary. He said that he missed the last step and fell onto the kerb. He also said that he left Birmingham 20 years ago, and had not seen his relations since.

Dr. Toogood said when the deceased was admitted to the infirmary he had extensive bruising on the left side of the chest, and several ribs were broken. He complained of pain. Witness did not think deceased was drunk. Deceased had chronic bronchitis when admitted, and began to split blood. On the 18th, pneumonia developed and the man died on Thursday afternoon. Witness made a post mortem examination, which showed that 6 ribs were broken, two of which were penetrating the lungs. The left lung showed signs of acute pneumonia. Death was due to exhaustion following pneumonia, caused by fractures of the ribs and penetration of the lungs from violence consistent with a fall.

Nurse Sawyer said deceased told her that he slipped from the 'bus, but blames no one.

Benjamin Thomas Baxter, omnibus traffic manager for Messrs. Tilling, said the bottom step was about 3 feet 4 inches from the ground. The busses had been used for about 14 years, and that was the first accident that had come under his notice. Witness, in answer to the coroner, said the police had to approve of the buses before they were used.

The Coroner having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of "Death from misadventure.