London,Oxford Street, UK - Man thrown into air and bounced off post box after being hit by double decker bus while walking on the pavement

Gareth Davies was rushed to hospital after being hit by a double decker bus

• 22 FEB 2016
• BY CATHY OWEN

Gareth Davies needed hospital treatment after being hit by the bus

A man says he is lucky to be alive after being hit by a double decker bus as he walked along a pavement.

Gareth Davies has described how he was thrown into the air and bounced off a post box on London's Oxford Street during a visit to the capital to see his girlfriend.

The 35-year-old, from Swansea, was taken by ambulance to St Mary's Hospital where he was treated for injuries which included a suspected broken rib, and bruising to his face and body. He also lost two teeth.

Gareth is now back in Swansea after getting hospital treatment

Now, Gareth, owner of Swansea-based osteopath and physiotherapy business Swans Health Solutions, is hoping to get CCTV footage of the incident — and joined calls for the busy London street to become pedestrianised.

Read more: These pictures of shockingly bad parking will make you very angry

He said: "I was visiting London to see my girlfriend Vanessa, and she was on the other side of the street when I was hit.

The bus after impact

"I was walking along the pavement opposite Selfridges when a bus tried to pull in to a bus stop, but the front end was over hung and took me out. It hit me and I bounced off a post box

"My girlfriend saw my suitcase go up in the air, and she realised it was me by the shoes I was wearing.

"I'm a bit battered and bruised, but at least I am here to tell the story."

Gareth is now calling for Oxford Street to be pedestrianised

The following day, a woman was seriously injured on the same spot, after being hit by a car.

The incidents come as many MPs have joined calls for the busy street to become pedestrianised. including mayoral candidates Sadiq Khan, Zac Goldsmith and Caroline Pidgeon. Mr Davies, who is recovering back home in Swansea, is backing their calls.

He told the South Wales Evening Post: "There are half a million people on Oxford Street every day, and there are injuries there every day.

"Imagine what could have happened if I had been with a child, or had a pram?

"Witnesses including a police officer say that I was on the pavement and it was not my fault.

"I think making the street traffic-free would be a very good idea."

He has thanked the ambulance crew who took him to hospital

Mr Davies also paid thanks to London ambulance staff for their work — and to First Great Western, who upgraded him to first class on his journey home, after learning of the incident.

see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/man-thrown-air-bounced-post-10926089