A MOTORCYCLIST died after a collision between his bike and a bus on Wednesday.

The 43-year-old Bristol man was involved in the crash with a Newport Bus vehicle on Monmouth Road in Gwehelog, between Raglan and Usk, at 3.43pm and died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed of his death and his family is being supported by police liaison officers.

There were two passengers on the bus at the time of the accident but they were uninjured. Its driver was treated for shock by a paramedic.

It is thought the road was closed after the accident until about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Llanbadoc’s representative on Monmouthshire council, Cllr Val Smith, said: “I am so sorry [to hear of the accident] because it not the individuals who have lost their lives, it's the family – it’s dreadful.”

She added speed on the road had been a “huge concern” for some time and that she was looking to persuade Monmouthshire council to decrease the maximum speed on it from 60mph.

The head chef at The Hall Inn in Gwehelog, Shaun Williams, said in the three years he has lived in nearby Usk he was aware of at least another fatality on Monmouth Road. He said this week’s crash happened close to bends on it.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident at 3.57pm, sent an engine from Usk to the scene and left at 5.27pm.

A Wales Ambulance Service spokeswoman said two rapid response cars and an emergency ambulance were sent after the service received a call at 3.53pm.

And a Newport Bus spokesman said: “One of our vehicles was involved in a road traffic accident and we are assisting the police with their enquiries.”

Its 63X service, which runs from Cwmbran to Chepstow via Pontypool and Usk, was diverted while Monmouth Road was closed.

Gwent Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 101 and quote log number 3/6/15.