A BUS driver died after a double-decker coach crashed into a wall and a car in Newport in the early hours today.

The driver of the bus, which had no passengers, had to be cut free by the fire service.

He was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, where he was pronounced dead.

The 52-year-old man was from the Rhondda area.

It was believed the coach had just dropped off passengers.

Gwent Police said today that it was too early to say what had caused the accident, and they are investigating.

The accident occurred just before 1am in Friars Road, near St Woolos Cathedral. A number of other vehicles were damaged as a result.

Firefighter Edward Travers was woken up when the coach crashed through his garden wall and he immediately went to help.

He saw the front had collided with a brick pillar, causing part of the wall to collapse.

The 48-year-old said: "I had to make sure all the emergency services were called. By the time I got dressed and got down there were another two coaches in front and behind the crashed one."

It is understood the drivers had stopped to help their colleague.

"I was restricted because of where the coach was and I could only help from the driver's side window," said Mr Travers.

"I got a torch and illuminated the scene for the other drivers. They could not move him, but tried to clear his airway and administer first aid. He was very poorly, it was difficult."

The coach was owned by Thomas of the Rhondda. One of the Thomas brothers, Dave, said today they did not yet know what had happened.

He said the dead driver, who was a grandfather and had two married daughters, had worked for the company for about 20 years.

He added: "He was very good and helpful. He was well liked by everyone."

The road re-opened some hours after the accident and council workers were on the scene this morning, making the wall safe.

* In the picture: The crash scene today.