The bus struck a low bridge when a newly-appointed driver took a different routeDan Haygarth Liverpool Daily Post Editor and Regeneration Reporter
13:57, 10 Jul 2025
The Liverpool City Sights bus hit a bridge in Wigan and has been taken out of service(Image: Submitted)
A Liverpool VIP party bus has been taken out of service after crashing into a bridge. The bus, part of former Brookside actor Philip Olivier’s company Liverpool City Sights, struck a bridge in Wigan yesterday, causing damage to its upper deck.
No passengers were on board at the time of the incident, which the company said occurred when a newly-appointed driver did not follow an approved route. No injuries occurred but the bus has been taken out of service for repairs.
A Liverpool City Sights spokesperson told the ECHO: “We can confirm that one of our vehicles, a converted VIP party bus operated by Liverpool City Sights, was involved in a low-speed incident on the evening of July 9 in Wigan, during which the vehicle struck a low bridge while travelling at approximately 5mph. There were no passengers on board at the time, and no injuries occurred.
“The vehicle was being driven by a newly-appointed driver who did not follow the approved route.
“The incident caused damage to the upper front section of the vehicle’s top deck, and the bus has been withdrawn from service as a precaution, pending repairs.
“We would like to clarify that no customer bookings have been cancelled. All affected customers have been contacted directly, and alternative arrangements have been made to ensure their experience is unaffected.
“Liverpool City Sights is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and is conducting a thorough internal review.
“We remain committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety, accountability, and customer service. We appreciate the public’s understanding and ongoing support.”
Mr Olivier, who played ‘Tinhead’ in the soap opera, is founder and CEO of Liverpool City Sights. The company runs a number of tours around Liverpool.
The actor’s other venture is the Daffodil restaurant – a converted Mersey Ferry berthed in Canning Dock in Liverpool city centre.
Philip Olivier, left, on the MV Royal Daffodil with Pete Price(Image: UGC)
For more than six decades, the MV Royal Daffodil took thousands of passengers across the river before being decommissioned and falling into disrepair.
Now, the Promenade bar area, which has been completely refurbished, remains on the upper deck.
The main floor is dedicated to the Daffodil’s 126-cover restaurant and diners must book in advance. The restaurant opened in December.
Mr Olivier played Timothy ‘Tinhead’ O’Leary in Brookside from 1996 until it was cancelled in 2003.