WORKERS at a North Melbourne takeaway shop have had a lucky escape after an express bus crashed into their building.

The 401 express bus, carrying four passengers, slammed into the takeaway shop at 9.50am.

Luckily cafe workers were in the back of the shop at the time and no-one was injured.

A kitchenhand at the shop, at the corner of Victoria and Dryburgh streets, said a customer had left just five minutes before the crash.

“We’re all a little shaken but not injured,” the worker, named as Matthew, told 3AW.

He said staff heard a loud bang and discovered the bus sitting 5m inside the shop.

media_camera The bus caused significant damage to the shop. Picture: Mark Stewart

media_camera The bus and a truck collided before the bus veered into the store. Picture: Mark Stewart

media_camera The bus driver suffered only minor injuries. Picture: Mark Stewart

media_camera A neighbouring house was also damaged. Picture: Mark Stewart

media_camera A firefighter examines the extent of damage to the footpath. Picture: Mark Stewart

media_camera The aftermath. Picture: Mark Stewart media_camera A truck driver speaks to an ambulance officer. Picture: Mark Stewart

“It’s a pretty old building and there’s a lot of structural damage,” Matthew added.

A Victoria Police spokesman said it was understood a truck collided with the bus at the intersection causing the bus to veer off the road and into the takeaway shop.

The male bus driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Four passengers on board escaped injury and the driver of the truck was not hurt.

A total of 28 firefighters from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade were called to assist at the scene and making the site safe.

“Fortunately there were minimal people inside at the time and there were no reported injuries apart from some very minor injuries to the bus driver,” the MFB said in a statement.

“Initial crews on scene called for our urban search and rescue team to help shore up the premises so the bus could be removed and the site made safe.

“Once the bus was removed some demolition works was required rather than shoring up.”

The 401 bus travels between North Melbourne station and the University of Melbourne.

Nearby roads were closed in the wake of the accident and motorists were urged to avoid the area.

Roads have since reopened.

media_camera A truck driver with a paramedic at the scene. Picture: Mark Stewart