A bus driver is in a serious condition in hospital after the bus he was driving crashed into a rail bridge pylon in Port Adelaide during heavy rain on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 am local time when the bus, operated by a private company under contract with the South Australian government, struck a low-clearance concrete pylon on a bridge over the Port River. The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash. Paramedics treated him at the scene before transporting him to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Heavy rain had been falling across the Adelaide metropolitan area throughout the morning, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a severe weather warning for flash flooding and hazardous driving conditions. It is not yet clear whether the weather was a contributing factor to the crash. South Australian Police have stated that investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing.

Bridge strikes involving buses and trucks are a persistent problem in Port Adelaide and across South Australia, where many older bridges have clearance heights of less than 4.3 metres. Transport authorities have previously installed warning signs, height detection systems, and, in some cases, crash barriers to reduce the risk of such collisions. Despite these measures, incidents continue to occur, particularly when drivers are unfamiliar with the area or when conditions are adverse.

The bus company involved has said it is cooperating fully with police and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. A spokesperson expressed concern for the driver and his family and confirmed the bus is being examined as part of the investigation.

Passengers were not on board at the time of the crash, as the driver was reportedly traveling to the start of his shift when the collision occurred. The bridge itself sustained minor structural damage, but authorities have confirmed it remains safe for use. Traffic in the area was disrupted for several hours while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and assess the damage.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by low-clearance bridges, especially during severe weather, and raises questions about whether current safety measures are sufficient.