A CHILD has died after a coach left the road and slid 20ft down a bank near Minehead.

The tragic crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, near Wheddon Cross, at around 3pm, and saw the coach flip on to its roof and slide down the bank.

Pupils from Minehead Middle School were returning home from a trip to Exmoor Zoo when the tragedy unfolded.

Ch Supt Mark Edgington, of Avon & Somerset Police, confirmed one child died in the crash, while a number of others were taken to hospital, with 21 injuries in total – a number of them serious.

He said the parents of the child who died are being supported by specialist officers.

Ch Supt Edgington urged people not to speculate on the cause of the crash, as it could cause further distress to “families, staff and the driver”.

An off-duty firefighter was following the coach – from nearby firm Ridlers – when it left the road and set about helping those affected immediately.

Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer for Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I’m grateful to the off-duty firefighter who was travelling behind the coach at the point of the collision.”

The firefighter was able to “start releasing those casualties from the bus”, he added, with eight fire crews, two rescue vehicles and 60 personnel sent to the scene soon after.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Heidi Alexander have reacted to the tragedy.

“A heartbreaking update on the school bus crash in Somerset,” Sir Keir said. “There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child.

“All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected.

“Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace — I’m being kept up to date on this situation.”

Avon & Somerset Police have released a full statement.

It said: “Shortly before 3pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to a collision involving a coach on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, in Exmoor.

“Approximately 60 to 70 people were believed to be onboard at the time.

“A major incident was declared, with police, fire and ambulance services dispatching crews to the scene.

“The coach was carrying a number of adults and children to Minehead Middle School when it overturned.

“We can confirm tonight that one child has sadly died. A formal identification process will need to be carried out, but our thoughts and sympathies are with their family, who we are in contact with. A specially-trained officer will be providing them with support.

“A number of other people have presented or been taken to hospital, some of them with serious injuries. This includes two children who were taken to hospital by air ambulance.

“Many passengers either sustained minor injuries or were physically unharmed and were transferred to a rest centre. Work to help them return to Minehead has been taking place throughout the evening.

“An investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out and we’d please ask any witnesses to please call 101. We would please ask people avoid speculation around the circumstances at this time, out of respect for the families, staff and the driver who will all be deeply affected by this collision, as that is likely to only add to their distress.”

The Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust (BEMAT), which runs Minehead Middle School, sent thoughts and prayers to those affected, and called for privacy as the community dealt with the tragedy.

“It is with deep sadness and heartbreak that we confirm that a pupil from Minehead Middle School has tragically died following a road traffic incident earlier today involving a coach carrying pupils and staff returning from an educational visit,” a spokesperson said.

“A number of other people have been taken to hospital, some of them with serious injuries. This includes two children who were taken to hospital by air ambulance.”

“Our entire school community are devastated by this news, and we will do everything we can to support everyone affected,” they went on.

“We are working closely with the emergency services and relevant authorities, and we will support our pupils, staff, and families at this incredibly difficult time.”

Leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans, as well as chief executive Duncan Sharkey, Minehead councillors and others issued a joint statement.

They said: “Today, we join with our community in mourning the heartbreaking loss of a young life in this tragedy. On behalf of Somerset Council, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and anyone else who has been affected by this devastating event as well as offering our prayers to those who were injured.

“We want to express heartfelt thanks to the emergency services, our officers and members of the public who responded with dedication and compassion.

“It is at times like these when we must come together to support one another and to grieve together, and Somerset Council will be playing its part to ensure anyone who needs support receives it.

“It is also important to avoid any speculation as an investigation into how this incident occurred continues. Our thoughts are with everyone touched by this tragedy.”

The statement was signed by leader Bill Revans, chief executive Duncan Sharkey, Cllr Mandy Chilcott – ward member for Minehead, Cllr Andy Hadley – ward member for Minehead, Cllr Frances Nicholson – ward member for Dulverton and Exmoor, Cllr Steven Pugsley – ward member for Dulverton and Exmoor, Cllr Marcus Kravis – ward member for Dunster, and Cllr Christine Lawrence – ward member for Dunster.