THE DEATH of a woman pedestrian following a horrific collision between a car and a bus in a busy street is at the centre of a police investigation today.

The Chronicle understands a black Ford Focus was in collision with a double-decker bus before careening onto the footpath, striking a brick wall and three pedestrians.

An air ambulance was called to the scene in Oxford Road, and police cordoned a section of the street between Gordon Place and Chester Street.

Roads policing officers confirmed a woman, aged in her 40s, was tragically killed in the collision. The driver of the car was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 1pm following reports of a crash.

It immediately became clear that a woman had died and the driver of the car and other pedestrians needed hospital treatment.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "One of the pedestrians, a woman aged in her forties, sadly died at the scene.

"Of the other pedestrians, a man was airlifted to hospital with serious leg injuries and a second man was taken to hospital by land ambulance with pelvic injuries.

"The female driver of the Ford Focus was taken to hospital by land ambulance with minor injuries.

"Oxford Road is currently closed between Gordon Place and Chester Street. Wantage Road is also closed up to the junction with Wilton Road and will remain closed for a significant time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area."

Residents stood behind the cordoned-off area in shock as roads policing officers combed through the crash-site as they began their investigations. 

One man who lived nearby but did not want to be named said: "I didn't see the crash but I heard the bang.

"I came out and everyone from the street was looking at the crash.

"I'm sure there will be lots of witnesses."

A number 17 Reading Buses bus was seen with a broken window and damage to it's rear.

Inspector Andy Storey, from the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, added: “We are investigating the circumstances of this collision in which a female pedestrian has sadly died.

"I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, or anyone who saw a black Ford Focus travelling in the area prior to the collision.

“I would also like to appeal to drivers who were in the area who have dash-cam footage or any other footage which may have captured the incident.

“I appreciate that motorists in the area will experience delays however the road closures are necessary for Roads Policing officers to conduct a thorough investigation.”