THE family of a 64-year-old woman killed in a crash involving a double-decker bus have said she "will be greatly missed".

Yvonne Copland died after the collision at the junction of Forest Road and Betty Haunt Lane in Newport, Isle of Wight, on Sunday, sparking a major incident.

The grandmother, from Newport, was travelling in a red Fiat Bravo, and three other people in the car were taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Her family said in a statement released through Hampshire police: "Much loved wife, 'ma' of four children and four grandchildren who was loved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

"We would like to thank the efforts of the first responders, air ambulance crew, paramedics, police, fire, members of the public and all hospital staff.

"We would also like to thank everyone for their best wishes and support, but would respectfully ask for privacy at this difficult time."

The driver of the bus, a man in his 50s, also suffered a serious injury and 10 passengers on the bus were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Four people travelling in a silver Mini Cooper were taken to hospital as a precaution.

More than 2,400 people have signed a petition for traffic lights to be installed at the junction, described as a "blind spot", to prevent further accidents.

One of those who signed the petition on change.org, Evelyn Tubb, wrote: "This is crazy that we have to sign a petition for something so obviously dangerous and yet so 'simple' to rectify."

Faye Courage wrote: "This is a junction i have always hated pulling out of!! Let's make it safe!!!!"

An Isle of Wight Council spokesman said: "Any decision by the council to implement road safety measures is something that would be only done following the advice and input of relevant agencies and experts after a thorough investigation of the circumstances of what happened."

Bus operator Southern Vectis said it is believed the double-decker ended up in the Fiat's path after a crash moments earlier.

General manager Richard Tyldsley said: "Early indications suggest a car pulled out in front of a route 7 bus and our driver was unable to avoid it. The bus was forced into the path of another car."

A spokeswoman for Isle of Wight NHS Trust said a "major incident" was declared just after 1.50pm on Sunday, with four people being airlifted to mainland hospitals and 15 taken to St Mary's Hospital in Newport.

People were asked not to attend the emergency department unless "absolutely necessary".

The major incident was stood down shortly before 5pm, but the trust said the hospital remained in a "critical incident status" to ensure all patients were treated.