An elderly woman ‘could have died’ after falling forwards when bus braked causing severe injuries.

Joan Jones was on Harris Coaches bus number 14 to Blackwood, Gwent, when a car reportedly pulled out in front of the bus causing the bus driver to ‘slam’ on the brakes.

The 80-year-old who was 79 at the time was 'catapulted' into the buses front dash and suffered fractures in her back, eye sockets and upper jaw and also broke her nose.

South Wales Argus: Joan Jones suffered a variety of severe injuries Joan Jones suffered a variety of severe injuries (Image: Chris Campbell)

Mrs Jones’ son in law Chris Campbell said the incident may have ‘shortened her life.’

The incident happened over a year ago on on Friday, August 26, 2022, but the family has spoken to the Argus now because Mrs Jones' is still suffering and they are upset at the response from the bus company.

Mr Campbell said: “My mother-in-law took the bus to Blackwood to do some shopping. She caught the Harris coaches bus No. 14 and just sat on the bus.

“What happened according to the witnesses was that suddenly a car pulled out in front of the bus and the bus driver slammed the brakes.

"This caused the bus to stop rapidly and catapulted Mrs Jones into the front dash. The passengers raised the alarm and called the ambulance.

“At no time did the anyone from Harris Coaches contact the hospital to check on her.

South Wales Argus: Bruising to Mrs Jones' arm after the bus incidentBruising to Mrs Jones' arm after the bus incident (Image: Chris Campbell)

He added: “She suffered a bruised arm which the doctors were surprised didn't break. She fractured her C8 or C9 vertebrae and fractures in eyes sockets, upper jaw, back and a broken nose.

“She is still feeling the aftereffects of the injuries and still suffering from them. It has shortened her life.

“She could have died due to the severity of the injuries and could of sustained even worse injuries.”

South Wales Argus: Joan Jones was taken to hospital after she was 'catapulted' into the buses front dashJoan Jones was taken to hospital after she was 'catapulted' into the buses front dash (Image: Chris Campbell)

Mrs Jones’ family claimed that Harris Coaches has not apologised for the incident.

Mr Campbell said: “We are all very angry with Mr Harris and his company.

“There has been no sincerity from them or apologies at all. It’s disgusting how Mr Harris tried to blame Mrs Jones for her injuries.

"Even though he saw the CCTV footage which shows she was sitting in her seat before being thrown from it they accused Mrs Jones of standing while the bus was moving.

South Wales Argus: Splatters of blood can be seen on Mrs Jones glasses that were broken in the incident Splatters of blood can be seen on Mrs Jones glasses that were broken in the incident (Image: Chris Campbell)

“Disgusting behaviour from a company owner.

“Something needs to be done about this company's behaviour and practices.”

The Argus made numerous attempts to approach Harris Coaches for comment prior to publishing this article.