The driver of a Toyota pick-up van broke his pelvis in a collision with a bus carrying six passengers in Birżebbuġa yesterday morning.

The van, driven by 31-year-old James Peplow from Birżebbuġa, was going in the opposite direction of the bus that Christopher Abela, 30, of Żejtun was driving towards Valletta on route 762.

The impact occurred at about 7.30 a.m. past Għar Dalam cave where the road straightens out and leads to the turn-off to Marsaxlokk.

Mr Abela said he could recall seeing the van at a distance some time before the collision took place.

The force of the impact was such that the Civil Protection Department had to be called to help remove Mr Peplow from the wreckage. The six passengers in the bus were treated for slight injures together with Mr Abela who was also treated for shock.

Mr Peplow was at first certified of being in a critical condition but his condition improved throughout the day.

Duty Magistrate Antonio Mizzi launched an inquiry and appointed court experts to assist him.

Police investigations are headed by Inspector Priscilla Caruana.