A BUS driver who knocked down an 87-year-old man told the dead pensioner's family he had no chance of stopping.

Retired foreman Alfred Wager died when he was hit by the single-decker bus in Rochester Road, Gravesend.

Arriva driver Edward Blanch told an inquest: "I'd looked in the wing mirrors to check everything was all right behind me and, all of a sudden, he was there.

"I braked hard and tried to stop but couldn't do anything about it."

Mr Blanch, of Stanhope Road, Swanscombe, added he was travelling under the 30mph speed limit.

Mr Wager, of Roehampton Close, Gravesend, was seen by motorists crossing the busy road at 11am on November 22, last year.

Van driver Anthony Allen, of Waterdales, Northfleet, said: "He appeared to be sprightly for his age.

"He was pushed along for a few feet before the bus stopped.

"He was thrown forward and landed awkwardly."

PC Michael Lamb of north Kent police's crash investigation unit said a smear on the bus windscreen was consistent with a head impact.

Turning to Mr Wager's family at Gravesend Coroner's Court, PC Lamb added: "There was little or no possibility of the driver taking evasive action, he would not have had enough time to react."

Coroner Roger Hatch recorded a verdict of accidental death.

July 9, 2002 12:30