UPDATE: Child killed and 21 injured in tragic school coach crash near Minehead
UPDATE: Minehead community unites in grief after tragic crash that took a child’s life
A CRASH saw a coach bringing Minehead Middle School pupils home from a trip ‘leave the road’ on Cutcombe Hill.
Passengers are being freed by firefighters and treated by ambulance staff after the incident, which happened on the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Dunster, at around 3pm.
Parents of affected pupils – who are believed to have been visiting Exmoor Zoo – have been urged to head to the school, where rescued youngsters are being taken from a resting place at Whaddon Cross, where police said the ‘large majority’ had been taken.
It is understood around 60 people were on the coach when the crash occurred – and some have been taken to hospital.
The road – the A396 – remains closed, with the public being urged to avoid the area as the operation continues. A major incident has been declared.
“Most of the passengers have been taken off the bus,” and Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said at around 5.30pm.
“Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are working to free the remaining occupants and the ambulance service are also on the scene.
“We have no confirmed information on the number of casualties or the level of injuries.
“Emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for responding to such incidents. We’d ask people to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to access the scene.”
A South West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “Along with other emergency services, we’re attending a road traffic collision involving a coach near Minehead.
“People travelling in the area are advised to avoid the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Dunster and find an alternative route. For emergencies, continue to call 999.”
Beacon Education MAT, the trust of which Minehead Middle School is a part, said: “We are working closely with the emergency services and relevant authorities following an incident this afternoon to support our pupils, families, and staff at this very difficult time.
“We will update our school community further as soon as more information becomes available, and we kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we manage this evolving situation with care and sensitivity.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she was “shocked and saddened” to hear of the crash and paid tribute to emergency services at the scene.
She said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of an incident involving a coach carrying school children in Minehead.
“I would like to thank the emergency services for their continuing work in these challenging circumstances and my department stands ready to support the school community.”
The coach was provided by Ridlers, based at nearby Dulverton, and director Peter Prior-Sankey said: “We were made aware of an incident involving one of our 70-seater vehicles at about 3.15pm this afternoon, understood to have taken place as a group of school pupils were returning from a day trip.
“We have since been liaising with both the school and the emergency services, while we try to understand the extent of the incident.
“Everyone within the Ridlers team is of course deeply concerned and anxious to find out more detail – particularly concerning the welfare of the driver and passengers.
“While we wait for further information from police and other emergency teams, our hearts of course go out to the school pupils and to our driver.
“We will be doing everything possible to understand what has happened.”
My thoughts and prayers are with all the children involved, As well as as the parents off the children,teachers and staff involved as well,the amazing fire,ambulance,police services for the wonderful job they will do