Tourist who had ear SEVERED in half when London tour bus …

Irek Luszczewski was on a holiday trip to the capital with his young son
During the tour, the blue bus had its roof ripped off as it collided with tree
The 49-year-old claims he was struck in the face by components of the bus
Lawyers have now been instructed to pursue a claim for compensation

Georgia Diebelius For Mailonline

Published:
11:34 EST, 9 March 2016

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Updated:
12:44 EST, 9 March 2016

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A Polish tourist who had his ear sliced off when his London tour bus crashed into a tree is planning to sue the company for damages.

Ireneusz ‘Irek’ Luszczewski, 49, was on a trip to the capital with his young son in August when they made the decision to pay for a trip on a double-decker Golden Tours Ltd bus.

They were sitting in the front section on the top deck when the bus collided with a tree in Woburn Place, Bloomsbury, an impact that almost ripped the roof clean off.

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Ireneusz ‘Irek’ Luszczewski was visiting the city with his son last year in August when the incident happened

Luszczewski claims he was struck in the face and head by components of the bus, which caused his ear to be severed in half

This image shows how the roof of the bus was left completely detached by the impact

As the upper section hit the overhanging branch, Luszczewski claims he was struck in the face and head by components of the bus, which caused his ear to be severed in half.

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Several people, including a newlywed bride on her honeymoon, were taken to hospital following the incident.

The roof of the 11.8-tonne bus – which was carrying about 50 tourists at the time – was later pictured hanging off to one side, dangling from the upper deck onto the road.

Several people, including a newlywed bride on her honeymoon, were taken to hospital following the incident

Luszczewski was on a holiday trip to the capital with his young son when they made the decision to pay for a trip on a double-decker Golden Tours Ltd bus

Luszczewski was given emergency first aid at the scene by paramedics and was later taken to hospital by ambulance

The impact – which was described as ‘like a bomb going off’ – left a large branch in the road, near to Russell Square tube station, along with debris and shattered windows from the bus.

A spectator who helped Luszczewski and his son said she had found the 49-year-old collapsed on the top deck with half of his ear ‘hanging off’.

Following the accident, all three emergency services were called. Police closed the road around the accident scene whilst fire service personnel took steps to evacuate passengers and stabilise the bus to remove any remaining danger.

Luszczewski was given emergency first aid at the scene by paramedics and was later taken to hospital by ambulance.

The roof was swept almost clean off the 11.8-tonne bus – which was carrying about 50 tourists at the time – and was later pictured hanging off to one side

The impact – which was described as ‘like a bomb going off’ – left a large branch in the road, near to Russell Square tube station, along with debris and shattered windows from the bus

A woman can be seen embracing a child in the aftermath of the crash, surrounded by shattered glass, and Luszczewski’s son can be seen bending down to his father

He said: ‘I was shocked and terrified when the accident happened. I feared for my safety and the safety of my young son.

‘As a result of an accident, which I believe was caused by the negligence of the bus company, I have been left with life-changing injuries and very bad memories.

‘I would like answers to my questions about how this was allowed to happen.’

International personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been instructed to investigate the cause of the accident and to pursue a claim for compensation on behalf of Luszczewski.

The lawyers claim that they will also be seeking to help the 49-year-old with his recovery and any rehabilitation he will need following his serious injuries.

Ambulance and police rushed to the scene as the walking wounded were treated nearby. Many passengers helped tend to the injured

Onlookers said the scene was complete carnage, with passengers hugging each other and blood ‘all over the floor’

Philip Banks, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: ‘This horrific incident occurred without warning. Our client was simply hoping to enjoy a pleasant sightseeing tour with his young son. However, this was cut short by a terrifying crash and significant injury to Irek.

‘He has now been left with permanent injuries as a result of an accident which we believe should never have happened.

‘Our focus now is to provide our client with the answers he deserves and to ensure that he is able to access the support, medical treatment and rehabilitation needed to help recover both physically and mentally from this ordeal.

‘I would urge anybody who witnessed or was involved in this incident to contact Irwin Mitchell to discuss the matter with us.’

MailOnline Travel have approached Golden Tours Ltd for comment.